Somali Lark (Mirafra somalica) [XC899833]
by Gilles Willem from Owdweyne, Togdheer : Tuuyo Plains, Somalia (song)
Somali Lark (Mirafra somalica) [XC899842]
by id from Owdweyne, Togdheer : Tuuyo Plains, Somalia (song)
Subspecies
Possibly forms a superspecies with Red-winged Lark (Mirafra hypermetra) and Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana). Suggested that it is allied to Certhilauda on basis of structure and undomed nest, but these could be result of convergence. Has also been proposed, on basis of limited evidence from displays, that subspecies rochei may be a distinct species, with only nominate subspecies belonging in Certhilauda. Both subspecies retained in present genus pending sequencing of genetic material and further study.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
somalica (Witherby, 1903) - Northern and north-eastern Somalia (south to c. 3º north); probably also extreme eastern Ethiopia.
rochei Colston, 1982 - Coast of central Somalia (2-3º north).
BirdLife International Species Factsheet