Archer's lark, also known as the Liben lark, is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in Somalia, Somaliland, and Ethiopia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss. The bird's common name and binomial commemorate the British explorer and colonial official Sir Geoffrey Francis Archer.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in parts of northern Somalia (including Somaliland) with historical or possible occurrences extending into southeastern Ethiopia. It favors sparsely vegetated, dry lowland grasslands with scattered shrubs and patches of bare ground. Traditional pastoral grazing that maintains short swards can benefit the species, while bush encroachment reduces suitable habitat. It avoids dense grass and cultivated fields, sticking to open plains and gently undulating terrain.
Altitude Range
200–1700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Archer’s lark, also called the Liben lark in some sources, is an extremely localized Horn of Africa lark named for British explorer Sir Geoffrey Francis Archer. It survives in small, fragmented populations where short, open grassland persists. Much of its decline is linked to habitat loss from cultivation, bush encroachment, and overgrazing. It is notoriously difficult to detect, often relying on cryptic plumage and low, inconspicuous songs.
Temperament
shy and cryptic
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Typically seen singly or in pairs, especially during the breeding season. Nests are placed on the ground, concealed within tufts of grass. Likely monogamous with territorial males performing display flights and song bouts over suitable patches.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A thin, tinkling series of trills and buzzes, often delivered from a short display flight or low perch. The song is subdued and can be easily masked by wind in open grasslands.
Plumage
Sandy to buff-brown upperparts heavily streaked with darker brown; paler, lightly streaked underparts with a more marked breast. Feathers are fine-textured and provide excellent camouflage against dry grassland. Short tail with paler outer tail feathers.
Diet
Eats a mix of small insects (such as ants, termites, and beetles) and grass seeds. Forages by walking and gleaning from the ground and low vegetation. Will take advantage of flushes of insects after rains, while relying more on seeds in drier periods.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in short, open grassland with scattered bare patches where prey is visible and accessible. Avoids dense swards and thick shrub cover, preferring lightly grazed areas.
