The Karoo long-billed lark or Karoo longbill is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in southern Africa in its natural habitat of subtropical or tropical dry shrubland.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs across the Great and Nama Karoo of South Africa, extending locally into arid parts of southern Namibia. It favors semi-desert shrublands, gravel plains, and sparsely vegetated dwarf-shrub steppe with scattered bushes. It also occupies fallow fields and lightly grazed rangelands where bare ground is available for foraging. Dense grasslands, forests, and moist coastal habitats are typically avoided.
Altitude Range
200–1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Karoo long-billed lark uses its long, slightly decurved bill to probe dry soils and leaf litter for insects in the arid Karoo. It is a ground-dwelling bird that prefers to run and crouch rather than fly when disturbed. It can be confused with other long-billed larks; bill length/curve, habitat, and subtle plumage tones help separate it from the Cape and Benguela long-billed larks.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs holding territories; small loose groups may form outside the breeding season. Nests are shallow cups on the ground, often tucked under a shrub or grass tuft for shade and concealment. Pairs are monogamous within a breeding season and defend nesting areas vigorously.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied series of whistles and trills delivered from the ground, a bush-top, or during a brief display flight. Phrases are repeated and may include mimicry of other Karoo birds, carrying well over open plains in calm conditions.
Plumage
Sandy to grey-brown upperparts with fine streaking, paler buff underparts with faint streaks on the breast, and a plain belly. The tail is dark with contrasting white outer tail feathers visible in flight. Feathers are sleek and well-suited to dusty, arid conditions.
Diet
Feeds mainly on insects and other small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, caterpillars, and spiders. It probes soil, leaf litter, and the bases of shrubs using its long bill. In drier periods it supplements with seeds and small plant matter, especially fallen seeds of desert shrubs.
Preferred Environment
Forages on open, sparsely vegetated ground with patches of bare soil, often along track edges, stony flats, and around low shrubs. It avoids dense vegetation and prefers areas where it can run and scan for prey.
