Red-capped Lark

Calandrella cinerea

Dry pans, short grass. Light brown above with rufous cap and pectoral tufts; whitish below.

Larks

Not Endemic

Description

Common resident. Rufous crown and pectoral patches diagnostic. Immature dark brown over entire upper parts, the breast well speckled blackish. The normal call is a brief ‘cheep’, ‘chirrup’ or ‘cheeree’. Occurs in small to large flocks in short grass and especially dry pans, airstrips and dirt roads, walking rapidly or running, flying short distances then dropping down again.

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.