Mirafra cordofanica
The Kordofan Lark (*Mirafra cordofanica*) is a small, cryptically colored passerine belonging to the Alaudidae family, typically measuring around 13-14 cm (5.1-5.5 inches) in length and weighing 18-23 grams. Its plumage is predominantly sandy-brown on the upperparts, heavily streaked with dark brown, providing excellent camouflage against its arid backdrop. Distinctive field marks include a pale supercilium, a prominent dark malar stripe, and finely streaked pale underparts, often with a subt...
This lark primarily inhabits dry, open grassy plains, semi-desert scrubland, and sparse savanna, typically found at low elevations within the Sahelian zone of Africa.
Its diet mainly consists of insects, such as ants, termites, beetles, and grasshoppers, supplemented significantly by seeds of various grasses and other herbaceous plants, all typically gleaned from the ground.
The Kordofan Lark is a largely terrestrial species, spending most of its time foraging on the ground, often in a solitary or paired arrangement. Its daily activity centers around early morning and late afternoon foraging, retreating to shade during the midday heat. Foraging involves meticulously ...
The Kordofan Lark is a resident species found across a broad band of the Sahel region in northern Africa. Its distribution extends from Mauritania and Mali in the west, through Niger, Chad, and Sudan, reaching as far east as Eritrea. While generally considered non-migratory, local movements may o...
Least Concern
- The Kordofan Lark's scientific name, *cordofanica*, refers to the Kordofan region of Sudan, where it was first described. - Its sandy-brown plumage and streaking provide exceptional camouflage, making it incredibly difficult to spot against the dry, parched landscapes it inhabits. - Like many l...