Corypha hypermetra
The Red-winged Lark, Corypha hypermetra, is a captivating medium-sized passerine, instantly recognizable by the striking rufous-red flash on its underwing coverts, visible primarily in flight against its otherwise cryptic, sandy-brown plumage. Measuring approximately 19-21 cm in length with a wingspan of 32-36 cm and weighing 35-45 grams, its streaked upperparts provide excellent camouflage in its arid grassland habitat. Distinctive field marks include a pale supercilium, a finely streaked br...
Inhabits arid and semi-arid grasslands, open savanna, and sparsely vegetated plains, often preferring areas with short grass interspersed with bare ground or scattered shrubs. Typically found at elevations ranging from sea level up to 1,500 meters.
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on beetles, ants, grasshoppers, and larvae, supplemented by a significant intake of grass seeds and small plant matter. Forages almost exclusively on the ground, probing and gleaning.
The Red-winged Lark is primarily diurnal, actively foraging throughout the day, often resting or roosting in shallow scrapes or beneath small bushes during the hottest parts of the afternoon and at night. Foraging involves a characteristic walk-and-peck technique, diligently searching for ground-...
The Red-winged Lark is endemic to the semi-arid grasslands and open savannas of East Africa, primarily found across central and southern Kenya, northern Tanzania, and extending westward into parts of Uganda and South Sudan. Its breeding range largely overlaps with its year-round distribution, as ...
Least Concern
- The Red-winged Lark's aerial courtship display can last for over 15 minutes, with the male ascending hundreds of meters, making it one of the most prolonged lark displays. - Its distinctive red underwing flash is believed to be a key signal during territorial disputes and pair-bonding, unique a...