lark, marrakech, morocco (1 Viewer)

H

Himalaya

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2009

• #1

i have actually labelled it a skylark but wanted a second opinion

could it be a crested lark?

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarfrazh/3388904633/

 

lostinjapan

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2009

• #2

It is certainly not a Skylark. Without perusing the image a bit more couldn't be sure if it is Crested or Thekla (though not sure if Thekla's range includes Morocco).

Sean

 

njlarsen

Gallery Moderator

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Sep 30, 2009

• #3

I agree not skylark but either Thekla or Crested. I cannot remember how the id features change from Spain to N Africa, but know there are differences.

Niels

 

lostinjapan

Well-known member

• Sep 30, 2009

• #4

Having researched a bit more, I would defintely go for Crested. Thekla in NW Africa is described as shorter-billed, paler and warmer-brown than Crested in Collins. The illustartions also show Crested as having a very long crest, darker spots on breast and a more pronounced malar stripe.

Sean

 

H

Himalaya

Well-known member

• Oct 2, 2009

• #5

thanks!
seen plenty of crested lark's but would love it to turn to a thekla for sure. never seen one of those.

 

J

James Lidster

Well-known member

• Oct 2, 2009

• #6

From memory the Birds of Morocco book lists about 4-5 subspecies each for Crested and Thekla in Morocco, although i guess one of the Crested subspecies is now Long-billed Crested Lark (which this obviously isn't)
Im not sure on this photo but i wouldn't be happy that it was a Crested.
Cheers
James