- Algulhas Long-billed Lark
Taxobox
name = Agulhas Long-billed Lark
status = LR/nt | status_system = IUCN2.3
regnum =Animal ia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Aves
ordo =Passeriformes
familia =Alaudidae
genus = "Certhilauda "
species = "C. brevirostris"
binomial = "Certhilauda brevirostris"
binomial_authority = Roberts, 1941The Agulhas Long-billed Lark ("Certhilauda brevirostris") is a small
passerine bird . It is an endemic resident breeder in theWestern Cape ,South Africa . Its restricted range is centred on theAgulhas arable farmlands, from east of theHottentots-Holland mountain range toMossel Bay , and occupies a maximum of 15,000 km².This
lark was formerly considered as a subspecies ofCape Long-billed Lark , "Certhilauda curvirostris" until it, with three other subspecies, was elevated to species status (Sibley and Monroe 1990, 1993).Habitat and breeding
The natural habitat of Agulhas Long-billed Lark is uncertain, since most of its range has been converted into stony wheatfields and pasture land, only 30% remaining as coastal
fynbos orkaroo scrub. However, it appears to have adapted quite well to its modified habitat, although its distribution is patchy for unknown reasons. At present, very little is known about its ecology and breeding requirements. Like other larks, it nests on the ground. Its food isseed s andinsect s, the latter especially in the breeding season.Identification
The Agulhas Long-billed Lark is 18-20 cm in length. It is long-tailed and has a longish curved bill. It has a streaked buff-grey head and back, and the closed wings are grey. The underparts are cream-coloured with dark streaking on the breast and flanks. Compared to Cape Long-billed Lark, this species more buff and has a shorter tail and bill.
The display song of Algulhas Long-billed Lark is a disyllabic whistle "seeooo seeeooo".
tatus
This species is listed as Near Threatened, since the total population is unknown. However, its true status and the nature of any threats are currently uncertain.
References
*Sinclair, Hockey and Tarboton, "SASOL Birds of Southern Africa", ISBN 1-86872-721-1
*Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L. (1990) "Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world". New Haven, USA: Yale University Press. ISBN 0300049692, ISBN 978-0300049695
*Sibley, C. G. and Monroe, B. L. (1993) "A supplement to Distribution and taxonomy of birds of the world". New Haven, USA: Yale University Press.
* [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/species/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=30036&m=0 BirdLife International]
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