Rufous-naped Lark

The Rufous-naped Lark, or Rufous-naped Bush Lark, is a robust and fairly large species of lark, notable for its rufous outer wings and short erectile crest. The bird's plumage is a tapestry of hues and markings that vary both individually and geographically. It possesses a straight lower mandible and a longer, curved upper mandible, adding to its distinctive profile.

Identification Tips

Adult Rufous-naped Larks are streaked along the upper parts, with a creamy-buff eyebrow that blends into the lore. Their rufous flight feathers are conspicuous, especially in flight. The hindcrown and nape are streaked, with the margins varying in color. The underwing coverts are rufous, and the tail is dark brown with variable outer web coloring. The throat is unmarked, while the upper breast is pale rufous with darker streaks and spots.

Habitat

This lark favors bushy grassland or sparsely wooded savannah, as well as marsh fringes, woodland clearings, and the ecotone of woodland and grassland. It is found from sea level in the south to about 3,000 meters near the equator.

Distribution

The Rufous-naped Lark has a vast but fragmented range across sub-Saharan Africa. It is increasingly fragmented in the north, with a declining population, while the southern African population remains stable except in heavily cultivated or urbanized areas.

Behaviour

The Rufous-naped Lark is sedentary, territorial, and monogamous. It is often sluggish and can be approached closely. Males are known for their bold and melodious whistled phrases, often accompanied by wing-fluttering displays from prominent perches.

Song & Calls

The lark's song is a clear, whistled phrase of three to five syllables, which may be rendered as "tseep-tseeoo" or "teeoo-teewee." It also produces a "prrrrt" or "phrrrp" rattle when fluttering its wings between phrases. Alarm calls include "peewit" and "tweekiree."

Breeding

The Rufous-naped Lark is monogamous, with males performing courtship feeding. Nests are well-concealed cups of dry grass, often with a grass dome, and contain 2 to 3 eggs. Incubation lasts about 14 to 15 days, and both parents feed the chicks.

Diet and Feeding

This lark forages at the bases of grass tufts, on bare ground, and between ungulate droppings. Its diet includes various insects, spiders, solifugids, millipedes, earthworms, and occasionally seeds.

Conservation status

The Rufous-naped Lark is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. However, certain populations, particularly in the north, are experiencing declines due to habitat fragmentation.