Botha's Lark
NameBotha's Lark
Common NameBotha's Lark
Scientific NameSpizocorys fringillaris
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)23.5
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker streaks; underparts are pale buffy-white with dark streaking on the breast and flanks. It has a pale supercilium and a short, conical, pinkish bill.
Vocalization / CallIts song is a series of high-pitched, thin, sibilant notes, often delivered during a display flight. It also has various short, sharp calls.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland
Conservation Statuscritically-endangered
Geographic RangeEndemic to a small area of high-altitude grasslands in the Mpumalanga and Free State provinces of South Africa.
Identifying FeaturesSmall size, Streaky brown plumage, Pale supercilium, Short pinkish conical bill, High-altitude grassland habitat, Critically endangered status
Description
Botha's Lark is a small, streaky brown lark found in high-altitude grasslands. It is often inconspicuous, foraging on the ground for seeds and insects. This species is critically endangered due to habitat loss.
