The russet lark, also known as Sharpe's lark, is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in Somalia.
Region
Horn of Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs in arid and semi-arid grasslands, sandy plains, and scrubby savanna with scattered tussocks. It prefers open ground with patches of bare soil for foraging and low perches such as shrubs or small termitaria for singing. After seasonal rains it may use slightly greener patches where insects are more abundant. The species is largely terrestrial, moving between foraging patches on foot and with short low flights.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 800 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The russet lark, also known as Sharpe's lark, is a little-known Somali endemic that favors arid open country with sparse grass and low shrubs. It often performs short display flights while singing, then drops back to the ground to forage. Its warm rufous tones help it blend with sandy soils, making it easy to overlook. Habitat degradation from overgrazing and development poses risks to its limited range.
Temperament
wary and terrestrial
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with low, undulating hops between perches
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or small family groups. Nests are shallow ground cups hidden at the base of grass tussocks or low shrubs. Breeding is tied to rainfall pulses, and pairs defend small territories during the nesting period.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and buzzy notes delivered from a low perch or during a brief fluttering song-flight. Calls include dry chips and soft twittering contact notes that can be hard to pick out in windy conditions.
Plumage
Warm russet-brown upperparts with fine darker streaking on the mantle and back; underparts buff to sandy with light streaking across the breast. Tail shows paler outer feathers; a faint whitish supercilium is often visible. Feathers can be slightly raised into a small crest when alert.
Diet
Takes a mixed diet of small seeds and invertebrates, including beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers. Forages by walking and pecking at the ground, probing among grass bases and litter. After rains it exploits insect emergences, especially termites. Opportunistically picks seeds from low herbaceous plants and fallen seed heads.
Preferred Environment
Feeds in open, sparsely vegetated sandy flats, grazed grasslands, and along track verges where bare soil is exposed. Often uses slightly taller tussocks for cover and vantage points while scanning for food.
