Eastern Long-billed Lark Certhilauda semitorquata Scientific name definitions

16–20 cm (male on average 10–14% larger in body measurements, 26% longer bill); 30–48 g. Rather plain plumage, with narrow pale supercilium and eyering; the smallest species in the “C. curvirostris complex”. Nominate race has crown and upperparts light rufous-brown, only minimally streaked; underparts light buffish, breast faintly streaked and spotted darker; eyes brown; bill blackish-horn; legs dull pink-brown. Differs from C. subco­ronata in being appreciably smaller and shorter-billed, with less heavy streaking on back and breast. Sexes alike in plumage. Juvenile has prominent buffy feather tips on upperparts, breast more diffusely spotted. Races differ in size, plumage colour and streaking: <em>transvaalensis</em> is small, brighter rufous and unstreaked above, only a few small rufous spots on breast, and short, relatively straight bill; algida is relatively large, brownish and streaky.

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Editor's Note: Additional distribution information for this taxon can be found in the 'Subspecies' article above. In the future we will develop a range-wide distribution article.

Grassland , usually on rocky slopes .

Food primarily insects. Feeds by walking on ground. Most prey apparently detected visually; seldom digs for food, but does probe into bases of grass tufts.

Male song , given throughout year, from favoured rock or in aerial display, a simple, descending “peeoooo”, lacking the “inhalation” that precedes song of C. subcoronata. Also burry contact calls.