Lesser Hoopoe-Lark (Alaemon hamertoni) [XC879406]
by id from Tuuyo Plain, Somaliland, Somalia (uncertain)
Subspecies
Affinities uncertain in absence of genetic data. May form a superspecies with Greater Hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes). Possible link with Certhilauda proposed by some authors. Geographical variation limited, and possibly clinal. Racial identity of birds in north-eastern corner of Somalia not known, tentatively placed with altera but further study needed.
The following 3 subspecies are recognised:
tertia Stephenson Clarke, 1919 - Inland in north-western Somalia.
altera Witherby, 1905 - Northern and north-eastern Somalia.
hamertoni Witherby, 1905 - Coast of central Somalia, extending inland to Ethiopian border in north.
BirdLife International Species Factsheet