The Cape clapper lark is a small passerine bird which breeds in southern Africa. It derives its name from the wing clapping which forms part of the display flight. The Cape clapper lark is a species of open grassland and savannah, also inhabiting karoo, fynbos and fallow agricultural land.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in the Cape region and adjacent parts of southern Africa, favoring open grassland, coastal fynbos, karoo shrublands, and lightly grazed or fallow agricultural fields. Prefers sandy or stony ground with low shrubs and scattered grasses. Avoids dense, tall grass and closed woodland. Often uses fence lines, track edges, and small clearings for display flights.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Named for the rapid wing claps in its display flight, the Cape clapper lark performs a steep ascending flutter followed by audible clapping and a parachuting descent. It favors low, open vegetation and is often detected by its display rather than seen on the ground. Pairs hold territories year-round. Its subtle plumage blends closely with fynbos and karoo scrub.
At Namaqua National Park
Temperament
skulking and wary on the ground
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats; display flight with steep ascent, audible wing claps, and parachuting glide
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, maintaining territories throughout the year. Nests on the ground in a shallow, grass-lined cup concealed by low vegetation. Courtship centers on aerial displays and wing clapping by the male. Both adults remain close to cover when not displaying.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Song is a series of buzzy, dry trills and tinkling notes often delivered during or after the wing-clapping display. Calls include soft chips and dry rattles from low perches or the ground.
Plumage
Sandy to rufous-brown upperparts with fine darker streaking; paler buff underparts with light mottling on the breast. In flight shows rich rufous tones in the wings and tail. Feathers are soft with subtle patterning that provides strong camouflage in dry scrub.
Diet
Primarily takes insects such as termites, ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Will also peck small spiders and other invertebrates. Seeds of grasses and forbs are consumed opportunistically, especially in drier periods.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare patches, track edges, and among sparse shrubs and short grasses. Picks prey from the ground and low vegetation, sometimes scratching lightly to expose items. Stays close to cover to avoid predators.
