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Larks

Larks, members of the Alaudidae family, are small to medium-sized passerine birds commonly found across various habitats, with the highest species diversity in Africa. These cosmopolitan birds are frequently associated with open, dry areas. The Eurasian skylark is widely recognized when people refer to 'larks' in general. Larks are distinguished by the unique structure of their hind tarsus and the absence of certain features found in other songbirds. They vary in size and plumage, usually with streaks for camouflaging, while their diets mostly consist of seeds and insects, with the young being fed insects initially. Larks are unique among passerines for losing all their feathers during their first molt. Known for their intricate songs and calls, male larks perform elaborate display flights during the breeding season, establishing territory and attracting mates. These ground-nesting birds lay a range of egg clutches, from just one to several. Historically, larks have been consumed as food and are highly symbolic in literature and culture, often representing daybreak or spiritual ascension. Having occupied an important place in poetry and music, larks also have been kept as pets, especially in China. Their early morning singing contributed to the phrases "up with the lark" and "on a lark" in the English language, reflecting early rising or engaging in spontaneous, playful actions, respectively.

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Agulhas Long-billed Lark

Certhilauda brevirostris

Barlow's Lark

Calendulauda barlowi

Benguela Long-billed Lark

Certhilauda benguelensis

Black-eared Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix australis

Botha's Lark

Spizocorys fringillaris
A photo of a Cape Clapper Lark (Mirafra apiata)

Cape Clapper Lark

Mirafra apiata

Cape Long-billed Lark

Certhilauda curvirostris
A photo of a Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix leucotis) , male

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix leucotis

Dune Lark

Calendulauda erythrochlamys
A photo of a Dusky Lark (Pinarocorys nigricans)

Dusky Lark

Pinarocorys nigricans

Eastern Clapper Lark

Mirafra fasciolata

Eastern Long-billed Lark

Certhilauda semitorquata
A photo of a Fawn-colored Lark (Calendulauda africanoides)

Fawn-colored Lark

Calendulauda africanoides

Flappet Lark

Mirafra rufocinnamomea

Gray's Lark

Ammomanopsis grayi
A photo of a Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark (Eremopterix verticalis) , female

Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark

Eremopterix verticalis

Karoo Lark

Calendulauda albescens
A photo of a Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata)

Karoo Long-billed Lark

Certhilauda subcoronata
A photo of a Large-billed Lark (Galerida magnirostris)

Large-billed Lark

Galerida magnirostris

Melodious Lark

Mirafra cheniana
A photo of a Monotonous Lark (Mirafra passerina)

Monotonous Lark

Mirafra passerina
A photo of a Pink-billed Lark (Spizocorys conirostris)

Pink-billed Lark

Spizocorys conirostris
A photo of a Red-capped Lark (Calandrella cinerea)

Red-capped Lark

Calandrella cinerea

Red Lark

Calendulauda burra

Rudd's Lark

Heteromirafra ruddi
A photo of a Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana)

Rufous-naped Lark

Mirafra africana
A photo of a Sabota Lark (Calendulauda sabota)

Sabota Lark

Calendulauda sabota

Sclater's Lark

Spizocorys sclateri

Short-clawed Lark

Certhilauda chuana
A photo of a Spike-heeled Lark (Chersomanes albofasciata)

Spike-heeled Lark

Chersomanes albofasciata
A photo of a Stark's Lark (Spizocorys starki)

Stark's Lark

Spizocorys starki
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