Red-capped lark

Appearance

The red-capped lark is a 14- to 15-cm-long bird, with a typically upright stance. The colour of the streaked grey to brown upperparts is variable, with subspecies differing in hue and brightness, but this species is easily identified by its rufous cap, white underparts, and red shoulders. The short head crest is normally not noticeable except when it is raised during courtship displays.

The male has redder plumage and a longer crest than the female. Juveniles lack the red cap and shoulders of the adults, have dark spotting on the breast, and white spots on the dark brown upperparts.

The call of the red-capped lark is a ''tshwerp'' like a sparrow, and the song, given in the display flight, is a jumble of melodious phrases ''treee, treee, tip-tip, tippy, tippy tippy'' . It also imitates other birds.

Naming

As of November 2020, five subspecies are recognized:
⤷  ''C. c. saturatior'' - : Found from Uganda and western Kenya south to Angola, north-eastern Namibia, northern Botswana and Zambia
⤷  ''C. c. williamsi'' - : Found in central Kenya
⤷  ''C. c. spleniata'' - : Originally described as a separate species in the genus ''Alauda''. Found from west-central Angola to west-central Namibia
⤷  ''C. c. cinerea'' - : Found in southern and central Namibia, southern Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa
⤷ ''C. c. rufipecta'' - : Found around the Jos Plateau in Nigeria.

Distribution

This is a species of short grassland including fallow agricultural areas. In eastern Africa, it is found in the highlands, normally above 1000 m, but it occurs down to sea level in suitable habitat in the cooler south of its extensive range.

Behavior

The red-capped lark breeds all year round, but mainly from September to December. The nest is a deep, open cup which is set into the ground and usually situated close to a grass tuft, stone or mound. The nest is lined with fine grass and rootlets.

The red-capped lark forages on bare ground or in very short grass, moving with short runs to feed on seeds and insects. It is sometimes found in flocks which can number hundreds of birds.

Habitat

This is a species of short grassland including fallow agricultural areas. In eastern Africa, it is found in the highlands, normally above 1000 m, but it occurs down to sea level in suitable habitat in the cooler south of its extensive range.The red-capped lark breeds all year round, but mainly from September to December. The nest is a deep, open cup which is set into the ground and usually situated close to a grass tuft, stone or mound. The nest is lined with fine grass and rootlets.

The red-capped lark forages on bare ground or in very short grass, moving with short runs to feed on seeds and insects. It is sometimes found in flocks which can number hundreds of birds.