Sentinel Lark
Corypha athi
A large, robust rusty lark with a short crest, hefty bill, and prominent rufous wing panel that is obvious in flight. Pairs are resident in open grassland and grassy savanna. It is most conspicuous when it perches up singing a sweet, simple song of 2-3 whistled notes such as “treee-treeloo”. The similar Red-winged Lark is larger than Sentinel Lark and less compact, with a longer tail and blackish patches on the sides of the neck.
Identification
The sentinel lark (Corypha athi) is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in Kenya and Tanzania. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the rufous-naped lark.
Taxonomy
Genus: Corypha; Family: Alaudidae; Order: Passeriformes.
- Scientific name
- Corypha athi
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Alaudidae
- Genus
- Corypha
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Ramphomicron microrhynchum
Small hummingbird with an extremely short, straight bill. Males are unmistakable: brilliant purple above and green below. Females are green above and whitish below with dense green spotting, especially on the flanks. Both sexes have a fairly long, notched tail. Occurs in the Andes from western Venezuela to Peru. Usually seen singly in the canopy or borders of humid elfin forest near treeline, though can gather in larger numbers at flowering trees. Also ventures into páramo; occasionally descends to lower elevations in the dry season. Seasonal movements are not understood.
Yellow-headed Manakin
Chloropipo flavicapilla
Rare and local in cloud forest from around 1,200-2,400m. Unique: mostly olive with contrasting yellow crown and dull reddish eye. Paler yellowish belly. Like most manakins, quite plump with a short bill. Female similar to male but slightly duller. Found in the understory of forest, where it is rather quiet and unobtrusive. Occasionally follows mixed-species flocks.
Large-footed Finch
Pezopetes capitalis
Large sparrowlike bird; entirely olive with contrasting gray head and black face. Range does not overlap with other similar-looking sparrows and brushfinches. Often found in pairs or small family groups, usually scratching through leaf litter or low in a tangle in the forest understory. Loud song often heard at dawn. Sexes alike.
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