(text added) |
m |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | |||
;Mirafra cheniana | ;Mirafra cheniana | ||
| + | |||
| + | Melodious lark | ||
==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
Length 12 cm, mass 20 g. '''Adult''': A small lark with distinct whitish eyebrows that contrast with the brown crown and ear coverts. Mantle to rump pale brown with darker streaks. Tail dark brown, outer edges white. Wings dark brown, pale brown and rufous. Chin and throat white; remainder of underparts buff, with dark brown speckles on the breast. The pale brown bill is short and stout and the eyes are brown. The legs and feet are pinkish to flesh. '''Juvenile''': Similar to the adults, but darker and more mottled above. | Length 12 cm, mass 20 g. '''Adult''': A small lark with distinct whitish eyebrows that contrast with the brown crown and ear coverts. Mantle to rump pale brown with darker streaks. Tail dark brown, outer edges white. Wings dark brown, pale brown and rufous. Chin and throat white; remainder of underparts buff, with dark brown speckles on the breast. The pale brown bill is short and stout and the eyes are brown. The legs and feet are pinkish to flesh. '''Juvenile''': Similar to the adults, but darker and more mottled above. | ||
| Line 12: | Line 13: | ||
The species is monotypic. | The species is monotypic. | ||
==Habitat== | ==Habitat== | ||
| − | Short grassland at altitudes of 550-1750 m. Listed as '''Near-threatened''' in the 2007 IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat to cultivation and degradation from over-grazing ([http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html Birdlife International, 2007]). | + | Short grassland at altitudes of 550-1750 m. |
| + | |||
| + | Listed as '''Near-threatened''' in the 2007 IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat to cultivation and degradation from over-grazing ([http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html Birdlife International, 2007]). | ||
==Behaviour== | ==Behaviour== | ||
Forages alone or in pairs on the ground for invertebrates and seeds. Sings in aerial display or less often from a perch. Inconspicuous unless singing. | Forages alone or in pairs on the ground for invertebrates and seeds. Sings in aerial display or less often from a perch. Inconspicuous unless singing. | ||
Revision as of 12:25, 2 January 2008
- Mirafra cheniana
Melodious lark
Identification
Length 12 cm, mass 20 g. Adult: A small lark with distinct whitish eyebrows that contrast with the brown crown and ear coverts. Mantle to rump pale brown with darker streaks. Tail dark brown, outer edges white. Wings dark brown, pale brown and rufous. Chin and throat white; remainder of underparts buff, with dark brown speckles on the breast. The pale brown bill is short and stout and the eyes are brown. The legs and feet are pinkish to flesh. Juvenile: Similar to the adults, but darker and more mottled above.
The song (of the male in breeding season) is long and rambling, incorporating a wide variety of chatters, trills, whistles and mimiced calls.
The Monotonous Lark and Pink-billed Lark are similar, but songs and displays differ. The Monotonous Lark has whiter belly and flanks, less distinct eyebrow, heavier bill, and more white on the outer tail. The Pink-billed Lark has a shorter, pinker bill, shorter tail and darker belly.
Distribution
Grasslands of east-central South Africa. There is a small, isolated population in central Zimbabwe.
Taxonomy
The species is monotypic.
Habitat
Short grassland at altitudes of 550-1750 m.
Listed as Near-threatened in the 2007 IUCN Red List due to loss of habitat to cultivation and degradation from over-grazing (Birdlife International, 2007).
Behaviour
Forages alone or in pairs on the ground for invertebrates and seeds. Sings in aerial display or less often from a perch. Inconspicuous unless singing.
References
BirdLife International (2007) Species factsheet: Mirafra cheniana. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 2/1/2008.
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0620340533
