Beesley's lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It was formerly considered to be a subspecies of the spike-heeled lark. Clements lumps this bird into the spike-heeled lark.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
The species is confined to semi-arid short-grass and bare earth plains on the Maasai Steppe north of Mount Meru. It favors open, sparsely vegetated volcanic ash flats with scattered low forbs and stones. Bare tracks and lightly grazed patches are commonly used for foraging. During wetter periods it may range slightly more widely within the same open habitats.
Altitude Range
900–1500 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Beesley's lark is a highly localized East African lark, often treated as a distinct species by some authorities but lumped with the spike-heeled lark by others. It inhabits sparse, semi-arid short-grass plains and is notoriously hard to find, spending much time on the ground and relying on camouflage. Its extremely small range makes it vulnerable to habitat degradation from overgrazing and land-use change.
Temperament
shy and wary
Flight Pattern
low, direct flights with short rapid wingbeats; often drops quickly to ground
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly, in pairs, or small family parties. Nests on the ground in a shallow cup concealed at the base of grass tufts. Likely monogamous in the breeding season and strongly site-faithful within its tiny range.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a soft, tinkling series of trills and short phrases, often delivered from the ground or a low display flight. Calls include thin tseep notes and dry chatters when flushed.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with fine dark streaking and paler fringes, contrasting with whitish underparts bearing light breast streaks. Feathers are subtly patterned to match dry grass and soil. Tail shows pale outer edges when spread; wings have a subdued rufous-buff panel.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and forbs, supplemented seasonally with insects such as ants, beetles, and termites. During the rains it takes more invertebrates to meet protein needs. Foraging is mostly by gleaning and pecking on open ground and at the bases of sparse vegetation.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated plains, bare patches, and lightly grazed tracks where prey and seeds are visible. It avoids dense grass and prefers microhabitats with a mix of bare soil and short tufts.
