The red lark, also known as the ferruginous lark or ferruginous sand-lark, is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in western South Africa and possibly Namibia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.
Region
Southern Africa
Typical Environment
Core range is in western South Africa, especially the red-sand plains and semi-arid shrublands of the Northern Cape, with possible occurrences near the Namibia border. It favors sparsely vegetated lowland grasslands and dry shrublands with open ground for running and foraging. Nests are placed on the ground, typically sheltered by a tuft of grass or small shrub. The species avoids dense vegetation and relies on open, lightly vegetated flats and dune margins.
Altitude Range
200–1200 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
Also called the ferruginous lark or ferruginous sand-lark, the red lark is a sandy-red specialist of South Africa’s arid shrublands and grasslands. It is a ground-dwelling lark that runs readily and often sings from low perches or brief song-flights. Its small, localized range makes it sensitive to habitat degradation from overgrazing, mining, and infrastructure development.
Temperament
solitary and territorial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating flights
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly or in pairs, holding territories in open, sparsely vegetated habitat. Nests are shallow ground scrapes lined with fine materials and often tucked under a grass tuft for shade. Likely monogamous, with both adults participating in territory defense and nest care.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and chirps, delivered from a low perch or during a brief song-flight. Calls include thin, high notes and dry chips used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Mostly uniform rufous to ferruginous with subtle darker mottling on the upperparts and paler, lightly washed underparts. Feathers are sandy-textured, aiding camouflage against red soils. The tail is slightly darker centrally with rufous outer edges.
Diet
Consumes a mix of small seeds and invertebrates, including beetles, termites, ants, and larvae. Insects become more important during the breeding season and after rains. It gleans and probes on bare ground and among sparse grasses, often running between foraging spots.
Preferred Environment
Open red-sand flats, dune margins, and gravelly plains with scattered shrubs and short grasses. Frequently forages on bare patches and along edges of low vegetation where prey is easy to detect.
