LARKS LARKS94 95

GREY-BACKED SPARROW-LARK: A small sociable lark, often abundant in the arid W (further E in droughts). Flocks found in various dry landscapes including overgrazed or burnt grassland, bare ground around waterholes, dry pans, open plains, sparse scrub, bare agricultural fields, etc. Mostly on pale soils.

Grey-backed Sparrow-LarkEremopterix verticalis (Grysruglewerik)L: 12-13 cm M: 12-(17)-21 g[1: E. v. damarensis; 2: E. v. khama; 3: E. v. verticalis]. A widespread and common species in the W half of the region. Almost invariably found in small groups to sizeable flocks. Finch-like in build, with a short, pale, conical bill, short legs and a short tail but broad wings (emphasised by dark underwing coverts). In terms of plumage, shows complex variations according to sex, age and region but presence of distinctive indicative. However, frequently occurs in mixed flocks with other sparrow-larks, Stark's Lark (p. 90), Lark-like Bunting (p. 339), Red-headed Finch (p. 277), Cape Sparrow (p. 269) and others. Searches for seeds by shuffling forward with bent legs, often with wings held slightly away from body at shoulder. May perch on low trees, fences, etc. Often first noticed when calling in flight to and from drinking spots.

may form massive flocks with Stark's Lark and others; here on a dry pan in

the Makgadikgadi region of Botswana

dull grey-brown

belly patch much reduced

in some birds

lacks pale collar

pale

lightly streaked

dark belly patch

white cap

no black shoulder

greyish or black flanks

white thighs

grey-brown rump

can look plain

shadow of ad. pattern

complexmix of adult and juvenile

indistinct face pattern

brown eyes

grey-brown

dark belly patch

slightly paler rump

flight jerky, bouncy and

erratic

NE

1

2

3

ad. damarensisKhorixas, Nam

ad. verticalisVryburg, NW

ad. verticalisColesberg, NC

adult khamaNata, Bot

juv. damarensisTwee Rivieren, NC

ad. verticalisMalmesbury, WC

ad. verticalis

Prieska, NC

imm. verticalisBeaufort West, WC

diffuse bar linked to

cheek patch

grey-brownusually in flocks,

sometimes of hundreds; here 2 and 4 .

dark belly patch

SPARROW-LARKS: Small, nomadic, mainly granivorous larks usually seen in flocks. Chestnut-backed in burnt, bare or overgrazed areas, including airstrips, agricultural lands, road verges, open savanna, etc. Black-eared in sparse scrub or arid grassland. Both species most common on red soils (to match colour).

Chestnut-backed Sparrow-LarkEremopterix leucotis (Rooiruglewerik)L: 12-13 cm M: 14-(22)-24 g[1: E. l. hoeschi; 2: E. l. smithi]. A small, finch-like lark. Both sexes have rich chestnut-brown upperparts, pale nape bands, pale rumps and conical, whitish bills. striking; variable but usually has a dark belly patch. Listen for flocks passing above or carefully scan overgrazed or burnt plains for foraging birds.

Black-eared Sparrow-LarkEremopterix australis (Swartoorlewerik)L: 12-13 cm M: 12-(14)-16 g[E. australis]. A sought-after, sociable nomad of the arid W. Mostly black conspicuous, especially in flight; resembles indigobirds (pp. 318-319). Dull heavily streaked below but

lacks a dark belly patch. Darker and richer above than Grey-backed. Often seen along N Cape roads after good rains.

juv. smithiGaborone, Bot

ad. smithiThabazimbi, Lim

ad. smithiBloemhof, NW

ad. smithiSatara, MP

isolated bar across nape

black cap

black shoulder

white flanks

heavy streaks

dark belly patch

white cheek spot; brown eyes

paler birds show only diffuse spots

and some lack belly patch

pale collar

rich rich

some acquire intermediate first-year plumage

pale rump

grey darkno pale rump

lacks collar

mostly black

white cheek spot, hint of Spizocorys

face pattern (p. 90); redder eyes

no dark belly patch

heavy streaks

lacks pale

collar

no white

rich brown mantle &

wings

uniformly black below

pale rump

brown rump

dark top

pale

E

12

ad. hoeschiMaun, Bot

pale collar

juvenileCalvinia, NC

adult Britstown, NC

adult Three Sisters, WC

adult Karasburg, Nam

adultGordonia, NC

some acquire intermediate first-year plumage

white thighs

black thighs