Corypha athi
The Sentinel Lark (Corypha athi) is a medium-sized passerine, renowned for its extraordinary vigilance and complex aerial songs. Measuring approximately 16-18 cm (6.3-7.1 inches) in length with a wingspan of 28-32 cm (11-12.6 inches) and weighing 25-35 grams (0.9-1.2 oz), its plumage is a masterclass in camouflage. Predominantly streaky brown and buff, it features a paler underside, a subtle, often raised, crest, and a distinctive white supercilium that narrows behind the eye. These field mar...
Primarily inhabits open, arid to semi-arid grasslands, savannas, and shrublands, often with scattered acacia or commiphora trees, typically found at elevations ranging from 500 to 2,000 meters.
Feeds predominantly on a variety of invertebrates, including beetles, ants, termites, and grasshoppers, supplemented seasonally by seeds of grasses and forbs.
Sentinel Larks are intensely diurnal, spending their days foraging on the ground and often roosting communally in low, dense grasses or under shrubs at night. Their foraging strategy involves slow, deliberate walks punctuated by sudden dashes to snatch insects, supplemented by gleaning seeds from...
The Sentinel Lark (Corypha athi) is largely resident across the savannas and arid grasslands of East Africa. Its primary breeding range extends from central Kenya, encompassing the expansive Athi Plains and Tsavo regions, southward into northern Tanzania, including the Serengeti and Tarangire eco...
Least Concern
- The Sentinel Lark holds the record for the longest sustained aerial display flight among African larks, often singing for 10-15 minutes without landing. - Its scientific name, *Corypha athi*, translates roughly to "crested one of the Athi," referencing its subtle crest and prevalence in Kenya's...