Mirafra albicauda
The White-tailed Lark, *Mirafra albicauda*, is a charmingly cryptic member of the Alaudidae family, endemic to the grasslands of East Africa. Measuring approximately 13-14 cm in length, this small passerine features streaked brown upperparts that provide excellent camouflage against its dry habitat, contrasting with buffy-white underparts. Its most distinctive field mark, and the source of its scientific name, is the prominent white outer tail feathers, strikingly visible during its undulatin...
Primarily inhabits short-grass savannas, often with bare ground or sparsely vegetated areas, and semi-arid grasslands. Found from lowlands up to approximately 2,000 meters in elevation.
Feeds predominantly on insects, particularly grasshoppers, beetles, and ants, supplemented with various grass seeds. Forages by gleaning items from the ground while walking or running.
White-tailed Larks are diurnal, spending most of their time foraging on the ground, walking and running between tussocks of grass. Males are renowned for their spectacular aerial song flights, soaring high into the sky in a spiraling ascent, delivering a complex and varied song, then parachuting ...
The White-tailed Lark is a resident species found exclusively across Eastern Africa. Its primary distribution spans southern Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania, and eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Two subspecies are recognized: *M. a. albicauda* covers Ethiop...
Least Concern
- The scientific name *albicauda* directly translates to 'white tail', highlighting its most defining characteristic visible in flight. - Males perform a dramatic 'song flight' where they ascend in spirals, sing continuously at great heights, and then dive or parachute back to the ground. - Their...