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.
Taxonomy
- Scientific name
- Calendulauda erythrochlamys
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Calendulauda
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
Silver-breasted Broadbill
Serilophus lunatus
A small, quiet bird with a distinctly silky, smooth-feathered appearance. Shape and pattern unique and unmistakable; note thick black stripe behind eye, dark wings with a glossy blue panel, and broad-based pale bluish bill. Usually moves around through the middle layers of forest from lowlands up into the mountains. Does not often join mixed-species foraging flocks, instead tending to stick to medium-sized groups of its own species. Sometimes gives a smooth, fluid ‘teelee!’
Common Loon
Gavia immer
A large, heavy-billed loon. Common and widespread in North America; somewhat less common and more local in Europe. Breeding adults have gorgeous black-and-white patterning; especially note fully black head with iridescent sheen and boldly checkered back. Nonbreeding plumage is plainer gray above and white below; note the jagged border between gray and white on the neck. Heavy bill is usually held straight (compare with Yellow-billed Loon). Breeds on lakes and ponds in the boreal forest. Listen for their haunting, yodeling vocalizations. In winter, mostly found on nearshore ocean waters and sheltered bays, singly or in loose flocks.
Spot-breasted Antvireo
Dysithamnus stictothorax
Big-headed chunky antbird with a heavy and slightly hooked bill and shortish tail. Found in the lower and middle levels of forests and forest edges. Males have a gray head and and a white spotted face and are olive-brown above and yellowish below.They have dark spots on the throat, and white spots on the wings coverts. Females have a rufous crown and less distinct spots on the wings coverts. The song is a melodious series of ascending and descending notes.
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