Benguela Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda benguelensis) [XC58648]
by James Lidster from Uis area, Namibia (call)
Benguela Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda benguelensis) [XC357576]
by Franck BRUNELIERE from Erongo Region, Namibia (song)
Subspecies
All members of genus with exception of Short-clawed Lark (Certhilauda chuana) formerly treated as a single species, but recent research indicates that they are genetically, morphologically and vocally distinct. Present species very similar in morphology and vocalizations to northern population of Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata), but genetically highly distinct. Position of taxon damarensis somewhat unclear; possibly belongs with present species, but analysis of plumage and morphology suggests better placed with Karoo Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda subcoronata). Limited genetic sampling in Namibia of damarensis and subspecies kaokoensis of present species resulted in uncertainty regarding the taxonomic boundary between them.
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:
benguelensis (Sharpe, 1904) - South-western Angola and extreme north-western Namibia.
kaokoensis Bradfield, 1944 - North-western Namibia south to about Brandberg.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet