The fawn-coloured lark or fawn-coloured bush-lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in south-central Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across dry savannas and semi-arid shrublands of Namibia and Botswana, extending into southern Angola and northwestern South Africa. It favors Kalahari sandveld, open thorn scrub, and sparsely vegetated grasslands with scattered bushes. The species also uses disturbed ground such as fallow fields, road verges, and recently burnt areas. It is primarily a lowland bird but can occur on gently undulating dunes and plains.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1700 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the fawn-coloured bush-lark, this species is well camouflaged against Kalahari sands and dry savannas. It is often detected by its buoyant song-flight rather than by sight. Formerly placed in the genus Mirafra, it is now commonly treated as Calendulauda. After rains, its activity and vocalizations increase markedly.
Temperament
secretive and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights; buoyant display flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, becoming more gregarious in small groups after rains when food is abundant. Nests are shallow cup nests placed on the ground, often tucked under a grass tuft or small shrub. Pairs are territorial during breeding and perform display flights and perch-singing.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, varied series of trills, tinkling notes, and chirps delivered from a low perch or during a fluttering song-flight. Males sing most at dawn and after rainfall. Calls include thin tseep notes and short churrs.
Plumage
Overall sandy-fawn with lightly streaked upperparts and paler buff underparts; fine streaking may show on the breast. Feathers are plain-textured, aiding camouflage against dry soils and grasses.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds and a variety of invertebrates, including ants, termites, beetles, and small grasshoppers. In the breeding season it takes more animal prey, switching back to seeds in drier periods. Forages mainly by walking and picking from the ground, occasionally turning leaf litter or probing soft sand.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground such as sandy grasslands, shrub-steppe, and the edges of pans and tracks. It often uses recently burnt areas and lightly grazed plains where seeds and insects are accessible.
