Agulhas Long-billed Lark

Agulhas Long-billed Lark
De Hoop Nature Reserve
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 2.3)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Alaudidae
Genus:	Certhilauda
Species:	C. brevirostris
Binomial name
Certhilauda brevirostris Roberts, 1941

The Agulhas Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda brevirostris) is a small passerine bird. It is an endemic resident breeder in the Western Cape, South Africa. Its restricted range is centred on the Agulhas arable farmlands, from east of the Hottentots-Holland mountain range to Mossel Bay, and occupies a maximum of 15,000 km².

This lark was formerly considered as a subspecies of Cape 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 or karoo scrub. It is endemic to South Africa. However, it appears to have adapted quite well to its modified habitats, like farmlands, 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 is seeds and insects, 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.

Status

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 0-300-04969-2, ISBN 978-0-300-04969-5
• 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.
• BirdLife International