The plateau lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in east Zambia, north Malawi and south Tanzania. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the rufous-naped lark.
Region
East Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs on upland plateaus of northern Malawi, eastern Zambia, and the Southern Highlands of Tanzania. It favors open, tussocky montane grasslands, lightly grazed areas, and grassy edges of dambos. Recently burned grassland mosaics are frequently used for foraging. It generally avoids dense woodland, preferring expansive, lightly vegetated terrain with scattered shrubs or rocks for song perches.
Altitude Range
1500–2600 m
Climate Zone
Highland
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The Plateau Lark is a highland specialist of the Nyika and adjacent plateaus, where it favors open montane grasslands. It was formerly treated as a subspecies of the Rufous-naped Lark but differs in habitat preference, vocalizations, and subtle plumage traits. Identification is easiest by its display flights and ringing song delivered over upland grasslands. It often benefits from recently burned patches where seeds and insects are more accessible.
Temperament
wary and ground-dwelling
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with fluttering display flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small loose groups, especially outside the breeding season. Nests on the ground, often concealed at the base of grass tussocks. Likely monogamous with both adults involved in territory defense and chick care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A loud, ringing series of whistles, trills, and chirrs delivered from a perch or during a brief ascending and parachuting display flight. Calls include sharp chips and soft contact notes given while foraging.
Plumage
Streaked brown upperparts with darker mantle streaking and a slightly rufous-tinged nape; paler buff underparts with fine breast streaks. Shows a short erectile crest and a pale, well-defined supercilium. Wings often show warm rufous tones, and the tail may have paler outer feathers.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of grass seeds and small invertebrates such as beetles, ants, and termites. Forages by walking and gleaning from the ground and low vegetation, sometimes probing at the bases of tussocks. After fires, it exploits exposed seed and insect resources in newly burned patches.
Preferred Environment
Open montane grassland with low to moderate grass height, including lightly grazed areas and grassland–dambo ecotones. Frequently feeds along track edges, bare soil patches, and recently burned ground where prey is accessible.
