Large-billed Lark
A species of Large-billed Lark and Crested Lark Scientific name : Galerida magnirostris Genus : Large-billed Lark and Crested Lark
Large-billed Lark, A species of Large-billed Lark and Crested Lark
Botanical name: Galerida magnirostris
Genus: Large-billed Lark and Crested Lark
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Alandmanson , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The large-billed lark is 18 cm in length. It is relatively short-tailed and has a thick bill with a yellow base to the lower mandible. It has streaked brown-grey upperparts, and a long white supercilium. Like other species in the genus, it has a crest that can be raised in display or alarm. The underparts are cream-coloured with heavy dark streaking on the breast. The heavy bi-coloured bill distinguishes this species from all other African larks. The call of this very vocal species is a soft creaking "treeeeleeeeleee".
Size
18 cm
Feeding Habits
Large-billed Lark primarily consume seeds, especially those of grasses, and a variety of insects. They forage on the ground, using their robust bill to dig and excavate bulbs, and may feed directly from plants or break open dung. They drink water regularly and sometimes perch on fence poles.
Habitat
The large-billed Lark typically resides in semi-arid habitats, including grasslands, dwarf shrubland, and fynbos. This species thrives across broader regions characterized by open landscapes such as coastal scrub, cultivated cropland, and fallow fields. It is most prevalent in cereal croplands and pastures within the Western Cape region, and montane grasslands in Lesotho. Additionally, the large-billed Lark occupies open areas in the Succulent Karoo biome and is occasionally found in the grassy Nama Karoo, particularly along drainage lines and in bare patches.
Dite type
Granivorous
General Info
Behavior
Like other larks, the large-billed lark nests on the ground. Its food is seeds and insects, the latter especially in the breeding season.
Distribution Area
The large-billed lark is a resident breeder in southern South Africa, Lesotho and southernmost Namibia. Its natural habitat is fynbos, karoo scrub and mountain grassland. The large-billed lark is also found in cultivated and fallow agricultural land.
Species Status
Not globally threatened.
Photo By Alandmanson , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original