Thick-billed Lark
NameThick-billed Lark
Common NameThick-billed Lark
Scientific NameRamphocoris clotbey
FamilyAlaudidae
Wingspan (cm)32
Length (cm)18
Weight (g)47.5
Plumage DetailsUpperparts are sandy-brown with dark streaking, providing camouflage against desert terrain. Underparts are white with heavy black streaking on the breast and flanks. The head features a prominent white supercilium, a dark eye-stripe, and a striking black patch on the side of the neck/throat. The bill is very thick and pale, often bluish-grey.
Vocalization / CallIts vocalizations include a series of clear, whistling notes and a rich, melodious warbling song, often delivered from the ground or in a display flight.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsdesert
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeFound across North Africa, from Morocco eastward through the Sahara to Egypt, and extending into parts of the Middle East including the Arabian Peninsula.
Identifying FeaturesVery thick, pale, conical bill, Striking black and white facial pattern, Heavily streaked breast and flanks, Sandy-brown upperparts, Prefers stony desert habitats
Description
The Thick-billed Lark is a distinctive desert bird known for its unusually large, pale bill. It inhabits arid and semi-arid stony plains, where it forages for seeds and insects on the ground.
