Karoo lark

Updated on Oct 01, 2024

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Kingdom Animalia Order Passeriformes Genus Calendulauda Higher classification Certhilauda		Phylum Chordata Family Alaudidae Scientific name Calendulauda albescens Rank Species

Similar Lark, Karoo long‑billed lark, Cape long‑billed lark, Large‑billed lark, Bird

The Karoo lark should not be confused with the similarly named Karoo long-billed lark.

The Karoo lark (Calendulauda albescens) or red-backed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is endemic to South Africa where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.

Karoo lark Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens videos photos and sound

Taxonomy and systematics

The Karoo lark was originally classified in the genus Alauda and subsequently Mirafra and Certhilauda, until moved to Calendulauda by the IOC in 2009. Not all authorities have followed this taxonomy change.

Subspecies

Four subspecies are recognized:

Karoo lark Karoo Lark Calendulauda albescens Buckham Birding

C. a. codea - (Smith, A, 1843): Originally described as a separate species in the genus Alauda. Found on the western coast of South Africa

C. a. albescens - (Lafresnaye, 1839): Found in south-western South Africa

C. a. guttata - (Lafresnaye, 1839): Originally described as a separate species in the genus Alauda. Found in western South Africa

C. a. karruensis - Roberts, 1936: Found in southern South Africa

Formerly, some authorities considered both the dune lark (as Certhilauda albescens erythrochlamys) and Barlow's lark (as Certhilauda albescens barlowi) to be subspecies of the Karoo lark.

Karoo lark More on Certhilauda albescens Karoo Lark

References

Karoo lark Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA

Contents

Taxonomy and systematics

Subspecies

References