Masked Lark
NameMasked Lark
Common NameMasked Lark
Scientific NameSpizocorys personata
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)26
Length (cm)13
Weight (g)17.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy brown with dark streaking, providing camouflage. Underparts are whitish, often with a buff wash on the flanks. The most prominent feature is a dark brown to blackish mask covering the lores, eye-ring, and ear-coverts, sharply contrasting with a pale supercilium and throat. The bill is pale and conical.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations include a series of short, high-pitched trills and whistles, often delivered during display flights.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Horn of Africa, found in parts of Ethiopia, Kenya, and Somalia.
Identifying FeaturesDark facial mask (lores, eye-ring, ear-coverts), Pale supercilium and throat, Sandy brown, streaked upperparts, Pale, conical bill, Ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Masked Lark is a small, ground-dwelling bird characterized by its distinctive dark facial mask. It typically inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, where it forages for seeds and insects. Its plumage provides excellent camouflage against the dry, earthy tones of its habitat.
