Dune Lark
Calendulauda erythrochlamys
A medium-sized lark that has a rounded head lacking a crest, and a slightly decurved bill. Varies geographically: in the north there is a plain face pattern and diffuse pale streaking that is restricted to the breast; in the south a bold face pattern, and a heavily streaked breast with unstreaked flanks. Upperparts coloration varies from mostly pale sandy-pink to buff to sandy-brown, usually matching the prevailing soil color in the region. Pairs are found in the sand dunes of the Namib Desert, and on soft sands of semi-arid Karoo and coastal shrublands. The male sings from dunes or bushes, and in spring also performs an aerial flight display 10-30 meters above the ground, with deep wingbeats, fluttering, and dangling legs. The song is a distinctive rolling set of dry raspy introductory clicks, followed by whistles and trills. The slightly smaller and more boldly marked Karoo Lark has streaking extending to the flanks that is lacking in Dune Lark.
Identification
The dune lark (Calendulauda erythrochlamys) is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is Namibia's only endemic bird. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. The dune lark is the only avian creature that has evolved the ability to survive in the Namib Desert, which is one of the driest regions in the world.
Taxonomy
Genus: Calendulauda; Family: Alaudidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Calendulauda erythrochlamys
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Calendulauda
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Rufous Bristlebird
Dasyornis broadbenti
A skulking red-brown bird with a long tail that has a rough uneven tip. Upperparts rich reddish brown, especially wings and crown, underparts gray-brown with speckling. Obvious pale eyering, lores, and moustachial marks. Feeds on the ground in dense coastal shrubland and heathland, runs rapidly with head down. Calls include a gentle series of repeated thin clear "chit" notes followed by a slurred whistled phrase.
White-eyed Robin
Pachycephalopsis poliosoma
A medium-sized bird of mid-montane forest understory. Sooty gray color, paler on the belly, darker on the face and wing. Note the pale eye and white throat contrasting with the dark face. Birds on the Huon Peninsular have a gray throat. Perches on low branches, flicking tail and scanning the ground for insect prey. Smoky and Blue-gray Robins have limited altitudinal overlap, but White-eyed is usually found at lower elevations, has a white eye and usually a white throat. Voice, a loud, upslurred whistle “wit!”. Also, a rising series of notes, first whistled then becoming raspier and accelerating.
Seychelles Scops-Owl
Otus insularis
Small compact owl with very small ear tufts that are often invisible. Buff on the underparts and rufous-brown on the back. Found in remnant rainforest and secondary forest on the island of Mahe, in the Seychelles. The odd vocalization is a low, raspy “grrrrr” that is given at a rate of about one note every two seconds, sometimes for several minutes at a stretch. The sound could easily be dismissed as a frog. Visually the species is easily identified, as the only other owl on Mahe is the much larger Barn Owl.
Start Your Bird Watching Journey
Identify a bird outdoors and keep the field guide close for your next observation.