Pink-billed Lark

Spizocorys conirostris

Short grasslands. SE race has rich rufous plumage; pink bill and legs.

Larks

Near Endemic

Description

Fairly common, near-endemic resident. A regionally variable, but richly patterned, finch-like lark with straw-coloured outer tail-feathers. Palest race (a) in the west, most rufous race (b) in the south and east; short, conical, pink bill in all races. The call is ‘chiZIC’ or ‘twee twee twee’. Usually occurs in pairs or small parties in grassland, especially where grass is seeding; also burned and heavily grazed ground, and clumpy grasses on Kalahari sand. Can be difficult to see.

Quick Facts

Bird Family

Small, sombrely coloured terrestrial birds with confusingly similar, nondescript plumage patterns consisting of greyish speckled upperparts and pale underparts, usually with some streaking or spotting on the breast. Many species show regional plumage variations, palest or greyest in the north or west. Immature birds resemble adults but are generally more speckled. They are best identified by the male's call as well as behaviour and habitat. Most species tend to run rather than fly away when approached; males of many species have prolonged aerial display flights.