Dusky Lark
NameDusky Lark
Common NameDusky Lark
Scientific NamePinarocorys nigricans
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)30
Length (cm)19
Weight (g)39.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are dark brown, heavily streaked with blackish-brown, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are whitish with prominent dark brown streaking on the breast and flanks. The head features a dark crown, a pale supercilium, and a dark malar stripe. The tail is dark with white outer feathers.
Vocalization / CallIts song is varied and melodious, often incorporating whistles, trills, and mimicry of other bird species, delivered from a perch or in flight. Alarm calls are typically harsh 'churr' notes.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsforest, grassland
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeBreeds in southern Africa, including Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. Non-breeding migrants extend their range northwards into parts of Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Tanzania.
Identifying FeaturesLarge, streaky brown lark, Prominent dark streaking on breast and flanks, Pale supercilium contrasting with dark crown and eye-stripe, Terrestrial foraging behavior in dry, open habitats, Dark tail with white outer feathers
Description
The Dusky Lark is a medium-sized, cryptically plumaged lark found in dry, open woodlands and savannas of southern Africa. It is primarily a ground-dwelling bird, often seen foraging for food by running rather than hopping.
