Large-billed Lark

Overview

The large-billed lark, also known as the southern thick-billed lark or long-billed lark, is a small passerine bird found in southern Africa. This species is currently classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• 18 cm in length with a relatively short tail and a thick, bi-coloured bill featuring a yellow base to the lower mandible.
• Streaked brown-grey upperparts with a long white supercilium and cream-coloured underparts heavily streaked on the breast.
• Possesses a crest that can be raised during display or alarm.
• Very vocal, producing a soft creaking "treeeeleeeeleee" call.

Habitat

A resident breeder in southern South Africa, Lesotho and southernmost Namibia, the large-billed lark inhabits fynbos, karoo scrub, and mountain grassland. It is also frequently found in cultivated and fallow agricultural land.

Diet

The bird feeds on seeds and insects, with insect consumption being especially prominent during the breeding season.