Spike heeled lark
Introduction: Spike-heeled larks (Chersomanes albofasciata) are attracted to the country's sparse grassland associated with higher rainfall. Desert grassland and shrubland are other habitats. Although they are usually observed in pairs, groups of up to10 are not uncommon.
Distribution: Throughout Namibia less for the north-eastern ranges of the country. Observed in Etosha National Park, Kaokoland, Damaraland and in much of the south of Namibia.
Diet: Eats mainly insects such as caterpillars, grasshoppers, beetles, flies, bugs, termites and scorpions.
Description: A short lark with a white-tipped tail (albofasciata). There are 9 subspecies of the spike-heeled lark, of which 3 can be observed in Namibia. The geographical variation accounts for the slight differences in upperpart and underpart colouration.
Breeding: Both male and female build an open cup made of dry grass, twigs and rootlets. Females lay 3 to 4 eggs between August and December, incubated for up to 13 days.
Size:14cm.
Weight: 26g.
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