Cover image: Stark’s Lark by Zenobia van Dyk – Near Poffadder, Northern Cape – BirdPix No. 245207 Stark’s Lark

Identification

Stark’s Lark is a small species with a more elongate and slender build than other small larks. It is very pale and appears white from a distance. The legs are fairly long and spindly and the head appears large due to its crest and stout beak.

Stark’s Larks is sandy, grey-brown above with dark streaks. It is almost completely white below with indistinct streaks on the breast. The throat is white and the face is pale and relatively unmarked. The crown is streaked and can be raised into a long, shaggy crest. The tail is relatively long and has a dark middle with white outer tail feathers.

The beak is pinkish-grey and is stout and heavy with a curved upper mandible.

The sexes are alike.

Juveniles have whitish tips to the feathers on the crown, back and wings.

Status and Distribution

Stark’s lark is near-endemic to southern Africa. It is distributed from the Northern Cape in South Africa, up through Namibia and into south-western Angola. It can be locally common but is highly nomadic and its abundance and range is largely determined by rainfall.

Habitat

Stark’s Lark is a species of arid and semi-arid open plains, with sparse perennial grasses and Karoo shrubs on sands. It favours sites where there are patches of calcrete or scattered pale quartz or calcrete pebbles. It also occurs in open, arid savanna in the Southern Kalahari and on the edge of the Namib Desert where it is found on sparsely vegetated gravel plains.

Behaviour

Stark’s Larks are found in pairs when breeding. When not breeding they occur in flocks of several individuals up to a few hundred or even thousands of birds, which congregate in areas of fresh green grass after rains. They often occur alongside Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks and Lark-like Buntings. They appear able to survive without drinking water but they will drink regularly during the dry season if water is available. Drinks less often after rains have greened vegetation and increased insect availability. They fly to waterpoints in flocks. Avoids heat stress during the mid-day heat by crouching in shade. Occasionally perches on a low shrub or rock, facing into the breeze while holding its wings away from the body to cool down.

Forages by walking slowly on flexed legs, with its body close to ground, pecking items from off the floor. Feeds primarily on seeds from various grasses and shrubs. Arthropods also form an important part of the diet and include Harvester Termites, ants, beetles, bugs, flies, spiders etc. Also feeds on green plant material, especially the fresh base of grass stems.

Males start singing and displaying after rainfall has stimulated breeding activity. It sings from the ground, from a low shrub or in flight display. During display the male rises between 50 m to 200 m above the ground while hovering or flying in slow circles, calling constantly.

Stark’s Lark is a monogamous, solitary nester, often in loose colonies. This species breeds opportunistically after rain and breeding may take place whenever sufficient rain has fallen. There is however a breeding peak from March to May after late summer rains.

The nest is a neat cup composed of fine strips of grass, built into a slight depression in the soil. It is usually placed at the base of a plant or stone but sometimes also in exposed positions. The nest normally faces south or south-east for shade on hot days.

Clutches consist of two or three eggs and incubation takes 11 to 13 days. The eggs are incubated by both sexes. The nestling period lasts for around 10 days during which time the chicks are fed by both parents.

Further Resources

Species text adapted from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.

The use of photographs by Alan Collett, Gregg Darling, J Terblanche, Katharina Reddig, Michael Houlden and Zenobia van Dyk is acknowledged.

Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).

Other common names: Spizocorys starki (Alternative Scientific Name); Woestynlewerik (Afrikaans); Alouette de Stark (French); Starks Kurzhaubenlerche (German); Cotovia de Stark (Portuguese)

A list of bird species in this format is available here.

Recommended citation format: Tippett RM 2023. Stark’s Lark (Eremalauda starki) Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2023/02/13/starks-lark-eremalauda-starki/

Bird identification, birding

Cover image. Sclater’s Lark by Alan Collett – Carnarvon District, Northern Cape – BirdPix No. 142244

Identification

Sclater’s Lark is a small species with a stocky build and a large, horn-coloured beak.

These birds have an overall buff-brown colouration. Its most distinctive feature, apart from the beak, is the diagnostic dark ‘tear-drop’ marking below the eye.

The upperparts are buffy grey-brown with dark streaks. The throat is white and gives way to buff-coloured underparts. The breast and belly have a warmer tone than the rest of the body. There are variable bold black streaks on the breast.

In flight the tail appears fairly short and dark above with broad white outer tail feathers.

The sexes are alike.

Juveniles resemble the adults but they have less distinct facial patterning.

Status and Distribution

The Sclater’s lark is endemic to Southern Africa, its distribution is entirely confined to the Nama Karoo. The majority of records are from the Northern Cape province, with scattered records from Southern Namibia. It is most abundant on the stony plains of Bushmanland in the Northern Cape with outlying records from near Mariental, (central Namibia), Beaufort West (Western Cape) and Aberdeen (Eastern Cape).

It is both uncommon and local in occurence, especially in Namibia. It is currently listed as Near-threatened.

Habitat

Sclater’s Lark inhabits arid to semi-arid plains with low, sparse shrubs, grasses and extensive bare patches of gravel and stones. It is most closely associated with open areas of quartz pebbles or shale gravel.

Behaviour

Sclater’s Lark is an opportunistic and highly nomadic species, moving into areas after rain before nesting and then moving on. They are found in pairs when breeding and usually in small, dispersed flocks of up to 25 birds when not breeding.

Forages by walking with a slow, plodding gait on bare, open plains where there are few other birds. They are known to turn over small flat stones while foraging. Sclater’s Larks feed mostly on Harvester Ants (Messor spp.) and Harvester Termites (Hodotermes spp.) as well as a range of seeds picked off the ground.

Drinks frequently, particularly when breeding. They often drink with the eyes partially closed. Typically flies to water in small groups and the flight is fast and dipping, accompanied by intermittent calling.

Sclater’s Larks are well camouflaged and are often only seen when flushed. They usually fly quite far before settling. Roosts in a shallow depression in open gravel plains.

Sclater’s Larks are Monogamous, solitary nesters, but some nests may only be several meters apart.

The nest is a tidy cup composed of fine, grass leaves, stems and awns. The nest is built inside a hollow in the substrate which is excavated by both sexes using their feet. The nest sits flush with the edge of the hollow and small stones are often placed around it. The stones presumably help to disguise the nest from predators. Most nests are situated in completely exposed situations in bare stony patches, far from shrubs or grass tufts. The nest is always within 1km of a water source.

Nesting in the open conceals the nest from predators which mostly forage around the base of vegetation. However, nesting in the open can expose the eggs or chicks to intense heat, something to which the Sclater’s Lark is well adapted. The incubating parent will stand over the nest to shade it, normally facing into the breeze or towards the sun. The incubating bird may pant continuously and raise its feathers and half close the eyes to aid in cooling. The dense nest lining may also help to insulate eggs and small chicks from high ground temperatures.

Egg laying takes place mainly from August to November and breeding takes place during the driest time of the year. Very high ground temperatures from December to March likely prevent breeding during this period. Just one egg is laid per clutch and is incubated by both sexes.

Further Resources

Species text adapted from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.

The use of photographs by Alan Collett, Etienne Marais, Pamela Ruth Kleiman and Zenobia van Dyk is acknowledged.

Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).

Other common names: Namakwalewerik (Afrikaans); Alouette de Sclater (French); Sclaters Kurzhaubenlerche (German); Namagua-leeuwerik (Dutch); Cotovia de Sclater (Portuguese)

A list of bird species in this format is available here.

Recommended citation format: Tippett RM 2023. Sclater’s Lark (Spizocorys sclateri) Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available online at http://thebdi.org/2023/02/10/sclaters-lark-spizocorys-sclateri/

Bird identification, birding

Cover image: Black-eared Sparrow-lark by Alan Collett – Carnarvon District, Northern Cape – BirdPix No. 70664

Identification

The Black-eared Sparrow-lark is a small, compact lark with a conical grey-white beak. The species shows marked sexual dimorphism.

Adult males are unmistakable, being entirely black save for chestnut brown feathers on the back, wings and upper-tail. Pitch-black underwings render males very conspicuous in flight.

Females are pale brown above on the back and wings. The undersides are cream-coloured, with heavy but variable black streaks. The streaks are predominantly on the chest but may extend onto the belly. Lacks the dark belly patch of other sparrow-lark females. In flight shows distinctive black secondaries.

Immature birds resemble the females but are variably buff and white spotted above.

Status and Distribution

The Black-eared Sparrow-lark is endemic to Southern Africa. It occurs mainly in southern Namibia and the Northern Cape in South Africa. It is marginal in the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Free State and its its presence in these provinces can be erratic.

It is most numerous in the central and upper Karoo of the Northern Cape.

Habitat

Occurs in arid, sparse shrublands and grassland, particularly on red soils. Favours sandy soil but is also found on poorly drained clays and stony substrates in the Karoo. The Black-eared Sparrow-lark is also present in the southern Kalahari.

Behaviour

Gregarious at all times, even when breeding and flocks usually number 5 to 10 birds. Flock sizes swell after breeding and can range from 50 to several hundred birds. Aggregates in large numbers in areas receiving good rainfall.

Forages in open places among shrubs and stones. Flies readily when disturbed, in typically bouncing erratic flight. Males perform a circular, butterfly-like display flight with exaggerated wingbeats and sometimes with dangling legs.

Collects food items off the ground or from the base of plants. The diet consists of various insects and a wide range of seeds. Favours grass seeds but also consumes the seeds of forbs and shrubs. Insect prey is known to include termites, beetles, ants and leaf-hoppers. Very seldom drinks and gets almost all its moisture requirement from the food it eats (Metabolic water).

The Black-eared Sparrow-lark is a monogamous, territorial and solitary nester, even though nests may only be a few meters apart. Breeding may take place at any time of the year and is linked to rainfall. They require at least 40 to 50mm of rainfall to stimulate widespread breeding.

The nest is a cup composed of fine grass leaves, panicles, feathery awns and rootlets. The nest is placed in an excavated hollow, usually in sandy substrate. The nest rim is normally slightly raised and decorated with the soil encrusted webs of Buckspoor Spiders (Seothyra spp.). The nest is usually situated at the base of a shrub or grass tuft and facing south or east for shade. The nest is built entirely by the female.

1 to 4 (normally 2 or 3) eggs are laid per clutch. Clutches are largest after heavy or follow-up rainfall. The eggs are white and finely speckled with pinkish-brown markings. The markings are often concentrated at the obtuse end. Incubation begins after all the eggs have been laid and is shared equally between the sexes.

The nestling period lasts just 7 to 10 days and parental duties are shared by both sexes. The young are fed exclusively on arthropods, particularly Harvester Termites, caterpillars and grasshoppers. The adults perform distraction displays when the eggs or young are threatened. The male will hover over the nest while alarm calling. Both sexes perform an injury-feigning display by flying towards an intruder with loud wing-beats, before dropping to the ground and fluttering away while giving distress calls.

Further Resources

Species text adapted from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.

The use of photographs by Alan Collett, Gerald Wingate, Tino Herselman and Vaughan Jessnitz is acknowledged.

Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).

Other common names: Swartoorlewerik (Afrikaans); Moinelette à oreillons noirs (French); Schwarzwangenlerche (German); Cotovia-pardal-preta (Portuguese)

Recommended citation format: Tippett RM 2023. Black-eared Sparrow-lark (Eremopterix australis) Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at http://thebdi.org/2023/02/04/black-eared-sparrow-lark-eremopterix-australis/

Bird identification, birding

Cover image: Burchell’s Courser by Phillip Nieuwoudt– Garingboom Guest Farm, Free State – BirdPix No. 138305

Identification

Burchell’s Courser is a smallish plover-like species. Its most diagnostic feature is the blue-grey hind crown and nape, distinguishing it from the similar Temminck’s Courser. It has a white supercilium which extends from the eye onto the nape. There is a narrow, sometimes indistinct, black line behind the eye. The back and chest are uniformly brown with little contrast between the two. There is an indistinct black band separating the brown upper belly from the white lower belly. The vent and lower belly are white. The bill is relatively long when compared to other coursers and the legs are whiteish.

The sexes are alike.

Immatures have mottled cream and black upper parts and lack the distinctive head markings of the adult.

In flight shows a broad white trailing edge to the secondaries. This is distinct from other coursers in the region.

Status and Distribution

The Burchell’s courser is endemic to Southern Africa, extending marginally into south-western Angola. It is generally uncommon across its range but may be locally common at some sites in Namibia and the arid west of South Africa.

The population, notably near the edge of its distribution in the south and east, is known to have declined sharply in recent years. In the past it was regularly recorded from Botswana but recently there have been very few confirmed sightings. The nature and causes of its decline are not understood and should be investigated.

Habitat

Burchell’s courser inhabits dry, open short or burnt grassland, Karoo scrub, stony semidesert and open desert plains. It is very partial to bare saltpans and ploughed and fallow lands. It is absent from fynbos and avoids woodlands of any kind.

Behaviour

Burchell’s Courser is highly nomadic and possibly seasonally migratory in some areas. This species feeds on a range of insects and is especially fond of Harvester Termites. It runs rapidly and forages by pecking at the ground after running a short distance. It may dig with its bill in soft soil. The posture is very upright and when alarmed bobs its tail and sways its body while holding its head still. May be found in pairs but is more often gregarious in groups of 5 to 15 birds.

Breeding may take place during most months but mainly August to December. 1 or 2 eggs are laid per clutch, usually directly on the substrate. No true nest is constructed, but the site may be lined with antelope or sheep droppings, stones or clumps of earth.

The eggs are incubated by both sexes, however, further details are unrecorded.

Further Resources

Species text adapted from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.

The use of photographs by Garth Aiston, Gerald Wingate, Gregg Darling, Michael Wright, Phillip Nieuwoudt, Tino Herselman and Zenobia van Dyk is acknowledged.

Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).

Other common names: Bloukopdrawwertjie (Afrikaans): Ingegane (Xhosa); Makopjoane (South Sotho); Rosse Renvogel (Dutch); Courvite de Burchell (French); Rostrennvogel (German); Corredor de Burchell (Portuguese)

Recommended citation format: Tippett RM 2023. Burchell’s Courser (Cursorius rufus). Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at http://thebdi.org/2023/01/25/burchells-courser-cursorius-rufus/

List of bird species in this format is available here.

Bird identification, birding

Cover image of Double-banded Courser by Desire Darling – Mountain Zebra National Park, Eastern Cape – BirdPix No. 52169

Identification

The Double-banded Courser is a small, pale coloured species. Its most distinctive feature is the two narrow black bands across the breast, which are diagnostic. The undersides are pale sandy or cream coloured. The upper sides are sandy brown with white edging to the feathers, giving a scaled appearance. The neck is slightly darker with fine vertical streaking. The crown is plain and there is a prominent cream-coloured supercilium. The long legs are pale whitish.

The sexes are alike.

In flight shows distinctive rust-coloured secondaries and inner primaries and white uppertail coverts (see the photograph below).

Juveniles are similar to the adults but have chestnut breastbands and a less well-defined supercilium.

Distribution

The Double-banded courser is widespread and found in three separate populations, in southern Africa, East Africa and north-east Africa. In South Africa it occurs mainly in the arid western and central regions.

Habitat

This is a species of flat plains with low, sparse vegetation and bare open areas. It is often found in stony places and dry pans. It is partial to pale calcrete gravel and is most numerous in Nama Karoo shrublands, arid grasslands and the Kalahari. The species also occurs in sparse Mopane scrub in northern Botswana and Namibia.

Behaviour

The Double-banded Courser feeds on a range of insects and is especially fond of Harvester Termites. It forages by pecking at the ground after running a short distance. This species may be found solitarily, in pairs or in small groups of three to four birds.

Breeding may take place at anytime of the year. One egg is laid per clutch, either in a shallow scrape on directly on the substrate. The nest site is often lined with small stones, sheep or antelope droppings or bits of dried plant matter.

The egg is incubated by both parents for 26 to 27 days. Chicks are known to fledge five to six weeks after hatching. They are fed by both parents.

The Double-banded Courser is known to be highly nomadic throughout its range and it appears to be most numerous during dry conditions.

Further Resources

Species text from the first Southern African Bird Atlas Project (SABAP1), 1997.

The use of photographs by Dave Brown, Desire Darling, Janet du Plooy, Sybrand Venter and Tino Herselman is acknowledged.

Virtual Museum (BirdPix > Search VM > By Scientific or Common Name).

Other common names: Dubbelbanddrawwertjie (Afrikaans): Segolagola (Tswana); Dubbelbandrenvogel (Dutch); Courvite à double collier (French); Doppelband-Rennvogel (German).

Recommended citation format: Tippett RM 2023. Double-banded Courser Rhinoptilus africanus. Biodiversity and Development Institute. Available Online at http://thebdi.org/2023/01/23/double-banded-courser-rhinoptilus-africanus/

List of bird species in this format is available here.

Bird identification, birding