Rufous-naped Lark - BirdForum Opus

Mirafra africana

Photo by GarethH
Photo taken: Rietvlei Dam NR, Gauteng, South Africa

Identification

A large Lark that varies geographically, but rufous wings and a short crest are consistent features.

Voice: Mainly a tree tree-leeoo whistle.

Distribution

Sub-Saharan Africa

Taxonomy

There is considerable geographic variation; 23 subspecies have been recognised.

Sibley & Monroe¹ recognised M. a. sharpii as a separate species (which they called Somali Lark).

Habitat

The Rufous-naped Lark is found in a wide range of savanna and grassland habitats.

Behaviour

Solitary or in pairs. Forages on the ground, mainly for invertebrates, but also for seeds.

Breeding: Monogamous and territorial. The nest is a cup of dry grass with a partial or complete dome, built on the ground, normally against a grass tuft. Two to three eggs are laid (July to April in southern Africa).

References

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

Sinclair I & Ryan P. 2003. Birds of Africa south of the Sahara. Princeton University Press. ISBN 0620207299

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