Short-tailed Lark
NameShort-tailed Lark
Common NameShort-tailed Lark
Scientific NameSpizocorys fremantlii
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)22
Length (cm)13.5
Weight (g)20
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are streaky brown with darker feather centers, providing excellent camouflage. Underparts are whitish, often with fine streaking on the breast. It features a pale supercilium above the eye and a dark malar stripe. The bill is stout and conical, with a pale base to the lower mandible, and legs are pale.
Vocalization / CallIts song consists of clear, whistling notes, often delivered from a low perch or in a display flight. Calls include short, sharp chirps.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsgrassland, desert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeEndemic to the Horn of Africa, primarily found in Ethiopia and Somalia.
Identifying Featuresrelatively short tail, streaky brown plumage, stout conical bill, pale supercilium, dark malar stripe, ground-dwelling behavior
Description
The Short-tailed Lark is a small, cryptically colored lark found in arid regions. It is characterized by its streaky brown plumage and relatively short tail, blending well with its dry, open habitat where it forages on the ground.
