Benguela Long-billed Lark

The Benguela long-billed lark, or Certhilauda benguelensis, is a species of lark notable for its elongated bill. It is a bird that commands attention with its distinctive morphology, adapted to its environment.

Identification Tips

This lark can be identified by its long bill, which is curved downwards. It has a streaked brown appearance, blending seamlessly with the dry grassland habitats it frequents.

Habitat

The natural habitat of the Benguela long-billed lark is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland, where it is well adapted to the arid conditions.

Distribution

The species is found in south-western Africa, with its presence recorded in south-western Angola and north-western Namibia.

Behaviour

The Benguela long-billed lark is a ground-dwelling bird, its behavior shaped by the open grasslands it calls home.

Subspecies

There are two recognized subspecies of the Benguela long-billed lark:

• C. b. kaokoensis, found in northwestern Namibia
• C. b. benguelensis, the nominate subspecies, found in south-western Angola and north-western Namibia

Similar Species

The Benguela long-billed lark has been confused with the Karoo long-billed lark due to similar common names such as Damara longbill and Damaraland long-billed lark. However, these terms can refer to both the Karoo long-billed lark and a subspecies of the Benguela long-billed lark.

Conservation status

As of the last assessment in 2004 by BirdLife International, the conservation status of the Benguela long-billed lark has not been classified on the IUCN Red List. However, any updates post-2007 are not reflected here.