The Benguela long-billed lark, also known as the Benguela lark or Benguela longbill is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in south-western Africa. Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland.
Region
Southwestern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs primarily in southwestern Angola with extension into adjacent arid zones of northern Namibia. It favors open, sparsely vegetated lowland grasslands, sandy or gravel plains, and dwarf-shrub steppe. The species also uses lightly grazed rangeland and road verges where cover is short. It generally avoids dense woodland, preferring wide, open vistas with patchy grass and scattered bushes.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named after Angola’s Benguela Province, this lark uses its long, slightly decurved bill to probe sandy soils for hidden invertebrates. Its cryptic, sandy-brown plumage blends perfectly with arid plains, making it easy to overlook. Males give display songs from low perches or brief fluttering flights, especially after rains when insects are abundant.
C. b. subsp. kaokoensis in northwestern Namibia
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short, low undulating flights with brief song-flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories during the breeding season. Nests are shallow ground cups tucked at the base of grass tussocks or small shrubs. Likely monogamous, with breeding activity linked to rainfall pulses in arid habitats.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A varied, mellow series of whistles and trills delivered from the ground, low perches, or during short display flights. Calls include dry chrrt notes and softer contact chips.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts heavily streaked, with paler buff underparts and fine streaking on the breast; wings show warm rufous tones.
Diet
Takes insects such as beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers, especially during the breeding season. Also consumes seeds of grasses and forbs and occasionally small bulbs or other plant matter. Forages by walking and probing or flicking aside debris on open ground.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open sandy or gravel plains with sparse grass and dwarf shrubs, along track edges, and on lightly grazed pastures. Often selects patches with bare ground for easier gleaning and probing.
