The monotonous lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in southern Africa.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely across arid and semi-arid zones of Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe, with local movements into adjacent regions following rainfall. Prefers open savanna, thornveld, and sandy grasslands with patches of bare ground. Common on Kalahari sandveld, fallow fields, road verges, and overgrazed pastures. Avoids dense woodland and tall, rank grass. After rains it may appear in large numbers in newly greened areas.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The monotonous lark is famed for its long, repetitive song, often delivered tirelessly after rains when the species becomes conspicuously vocal. It is nomadic within southern Africa, tracking fresh growth and insect swarms that follow rainfall. Breeding is closely tied to these wet periods, with nests placed on the ground in sparse grass.
Temperament
nomadic and often inconspicuous, becomes conspicuously vocal after rains
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights; occasional display flights
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs, but may gather in loose flocks in post-rain eruptions. Nests on the ground in a shallow cup hidden among grasses. Breeding is opportunistic and rain-dependent, with males singing persistently from low perches or in brief display flights.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
A long, repetitive, mechanical series of identical notes delivered for minutes at a time, often continuing at dawn and dusk and after rainfall. The song carries far over open country and can dominate the soundscape during eruptions.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with fine dark streaking and a paler, lightly streaked breast; underparts buff to whitish. Feathers are plain-textured with subtle patterning suited to cryptic ground camouflage.
Diet
Feeds on small insects such as termites, ants, beetles, and grasshoppers, supplemented by grass seeds and other plant matter. Diet shifts more heavily to insects during breeding and when termite alates emerge after rain. Forages by walking and gleaning from the ground, occasionally probing soft sand and leaf litter.
Preferred Environment
Open, sparsely vegetated ground with short grass, bare patches, and sandy substrates. Frequently uses road verges, fallow fields, and lightly grazed areas where prey is easy to spot.
