Habitat
Dune ridges and eroded dunes, alluvial plains, and even clay-pans with pebbles, favouring areas where large-seeded tussock-grasses are dominant.
Bushmanland, in north-western Northern Cape, South Africa.
Population
Estimated population is 9,400 (2010) and decreasing.
Status VU
Habitat loss and fragmentation of sensitive dune vegetation by domestic livestock is the main threat.
For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.
Food
Invertebrates, seeds and fruit.
Voice
Song is similar to that of Karoo Lark (Calendulauda albescens), but slower and much lower-pitched. Sings while in the air or perched.
Red Lark (Calendulauda burra) [XC392342]
by Hans Matheve from Brandvlei area, Northern Cape, South Africa (song)
Red Lark (Calendulauda burra) [XC350157]
by Peter Boesman from Koa Dunes (near Aggeneys), Namakwa, Northern Cape, South Africa (song)
Subspecies
No subspecies.
Originally described as Alauda ferruginea, but that name invalid, as preoccupied. Formerly placed in genus Ammomanes on the basis of plain back and stout bill. Forms a superspecies with Karoo Lark (Calendulauda albescens), Barlow's Lark (Certhilauda barlowi) and Dune Lark (Calendulauda erythrochlamys). Geographical variation in coloration and degree of upperpart streaking largely linked to soil type; brownish birds with streaked back (from Brandvlei area) named as subspecies harei and others with more heavily streaked underparts (from Vanwyksvlei) as aridula, but all populations intergrade, and plain-backed and streak-backed birds breed together in some areas. Although some variation in cytochrome b gene sequences, haplotypes are mixed throughout population with exception of eastern dune form ("aridula"), which also unusual in being the only form with any streaking on flanks.
Similar Species
Differs from Dune Lark (Calendulauda erythrochlamys) and Barlow's Lark (Certhilauda barlowi) by rich rufous upperparts and from Karoo Lark (Calendulauda albescens) by heavier streaking, which does not extend onto the flanks, and larger bill.
References
See References.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet