The large-billed lark or southern thick-billed lark is a small passerine bird found in southern Africa. The name "large-billed lark" may also refer to Bradfield's lark. The name "thick-billed lark" more commonly refers to the species of the same name.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found mainly in South Africa’s Western and Eastern Cape into parts of the Karoo and adjoining interior, with localized presence in open, shrubby habitats. It favors fynbos, renosterveld, and semi-arid Karoo scrub, as well as rough pastures, road verges, and fallow agricultural fields. The species uses stony slopes and low shrublands for nesting and cover while foraging in adjacent open ground. It is generally a year-round resident across its range, shifting locally in response to rainfall and food availability.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 2200 m
Climate Zone
Temperate
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the southern thick-billed lark, this species is a non-migratory lark of southern Africa with a noticeably heavy, slightly decurved bill. It often sings from low perches or during short display flights over open scrub. The name 'large-billed lark' is sometimes confused with Bradfield's lark, but the latter is a different species.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with undulating display flights
Social Behavior
Pairs defend small territories during the breeding season and nest on the ground in a shallow, well-hidden cup. Outside breeding, birds may gather loosely in small groups where food is abundant. Courtship includes song from low perches and brief aerial displays.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, varied series of whistles and trills delivered from a perch or during short song-flights. Calls include sharp chips and churrs used for contact and alarm.
Plumage
Heavily streaked brown upperparts with a mottled mantle and pale, streaked underparts; feathers are cryptic and well-suited to scrubby, arid ground. A small crest can be raised when alert. The bill is deep-based and stout, lending a thick-billed profile.
Diet
Feeds on a mix of seeds and small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, termites, grasshoppers, and larvae. Will take spilled grain near farms and along tracks. Diet shifts seasonally, with more invertebrates taken during breeding for protein.
Preferred Environment
Forages on bare ground, along road verges, and within low, open shrubland where it can run and pause to pick prey. Often uses stony or sandy patches where seeds and arthropods are accessible.
