The short-tailed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae.
Region
Horn of Africa and East Africa
Typical Environment
Found from southeastern Ethiopia and Somalia south through eastern Kenya to northeastern Tanzania. It favors semi-arid to arid bushland, open scrub with scattered acacias and commiphoras, and sparsely vegetated sandy or stony plains. The species also uses overgrazed pastures, road verges, and fallow fields with ample bare ground. It avoids dense woodland and lush tall grass. Breeding activity often follows seasonal rains, when food is abundant.
Altitude Range
0–1600 m
Climate Zone
Arid
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The short-tailed lark is a small, ground-dwelling lark of arid East Africa and the sole species in its genus. Its exceptionally short tail and sandy, streaked plumage help it blend into open scrub and stony plains. It often sings from low song-flights or a bush after rains when breeding peaks.
Illustrated by Keulemans
Temperament
skulking and ground-oriented
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with brief, low glides
Social Behavior
Usually seen singly or in pairs during the breeding season, forming small loose groups in the non-breeding period. Nests are shallow scrapes on the ground, often tucked under a tuft of grass or small shrub. Likely monogamous, with territorial song-flights after rains.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
A soft, tinkling series of trills and chirps, often delivered from a low song-flight or a perch on a small bush. Calls include thin tsip notes used in contact and alarm.
Plumage
Sandy-brown upperparts with dark streaking, short rounded tail, and pale buff underparts with fine breast streaks. Feathers are cryptically patterned to match dry soil and stones.
Diet
Feeds on small seeds of grasses and forbs, supplemented by insects such as ants, beetles, termites, and grasshoppers, especially after rains. Forages by walking and picking from the ground, often in areas with sparse cover. Opportunistic, shifting between seeds and invertebrates with seasonal availability.
Preferred Environment
Prefers open, sparsely vegetated ground with patches of bare soil, including scrubby plains, overgrazed pasture, and track edges. Often forages near low shrubs that provide quick cover.
