The melodious lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in southern Africa. It is currently threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Found primarily in the open, lightly to moderately grazed grasslands of the South African Highveld, extending into similar upland grasslands of adjacent regions. It favors areas with a mosaic of short to medium-height grasses and scattered forbs, often with bare patches for foraging. Avoids densely wooded areas and very tall, rank grass. Agricultural intensification, afforestation, and overgrazing can reduce suitable habitat. Outside breeding, it may use fallow fields and road verges when natural grassland is scarce.
Altitude Range
800–2000 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The melodious lark is renowned for its rich, varied song that often includes mimicry of other bird species. It performs conspicuous song-flights above open grassland, then drops back into cover where it can be surprisingly elusive. This species nests on the ground in grass tussocks and is sensitive to intensive grazing and cultivation. Habitat loss and grassland degradation are the main pressures across its range.
Temperament
secretive on the ground but conspicuous in display
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with occasional fluttering song-flights
Social Behavior
Generally seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season. Builds a grass-lined cup nest on the ground, often sheltered by a tuft, and lays a small clutch. Outside the breeding season it may gather in loose, small groups in suitable foraging areas. Territorial singing males perform aerial displays over their chosen patch of grassland.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A rich, melodious and varied song delivered from a perch or during buoyant display flights, often incorporating phrases of other species. Calls include soft chips and trills; the song can continue for extended periods at dawn and late afternoon.
Plumage
Cryptically patterned lark with brown, buff, and blackish streaked upperparts and paler, lightly streaked underparts. Feathers are finely streaked giving a scaly impression on the back; underparts are buff-white with streaking concentrated on the breast. Tail shows contrasting paler outer feathers in flight.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on grass and forb seeds, small insects such as beetles, grasshoppers, and ants, and occasional spiders. Insects form a larger proportion during the breeding season to provide protein for chicks. It forages by walking and gleaning from the ground, picking items from bare patches and the bases of grasses. After rains it takes advantage of emergent insect swarms.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open short to medium grassland with scattered bare soil, field edges, and lightly disturbed pastures. Will also use fallow agricultural land and road verges when natural grassland is fragmented.
