Friedmann's lark
| Friedmann's lark | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Mirafra |
| Species: | M. pulpa |
| Binomial name | |
| Mirafra pulpa Friedmann, 1930 | |
Friedmann's lark (Mirafra pulpa) is a species of lark in the Alaudidae family.
Distribution and habitat
Friedmann's lark is found in Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, but its population and real range are very poorly known.[2] The type specimen was collected in Ethiopia (from the Konso-Sagan area) in 1992, having only been seen one time since, in 1998; but most of what is known comes primarily from data collected in Tsavo East and West National Parks, in Kenya.[2] There are also a few records from Tanzania, from Mkomazi Game Reserve, south of Arusha.[2]
In general, the natural habitats of M. pulpa are subtropical or tropical dry lowland grasslands.[3] Being aloof and shy, it apparently chooses the moister (or less dry), ranker-growing of these areas, and where it can find it, those with more bush-cover. This is in contrast to the more dry, and more open environs preferred by many other species of lark.[2]
It is nearly always witnessed only during certain times of year (in Tanzania, during rainy season, for example), to the exclusion of other times; and often amongst other migrant species. These observations would seem to suggest that it is a migratory bird, but more corroborating data is needed to make a definitive determination.[2]
Behaviour
Feeding
Friedmann's lark appears to subsist mainly on small beetles, grasshoppers and the like, as well as grass seeds.[2]
Voice
It is best identified by its distinctive song; a long, drawn-out singular note, hoo-ee-oo (with slight stress on the ee), repeated at 1 or 2 second intervals. It is heard more often at night, and given while atop a bush or during undulating display flights.[2]
References
- ↑ BirdLife International (2012). "Mirafra pulpa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Phil Benstead, et al.; Friedmann's Lark - BirdLife Species Factsheet
- ↑ "Friedmann's Lark - BirdLife Species Factsheet (Additional Data)". BirdLife International. 2008. Retrieved May 6, 2009.
Cited works
- Compilers: Phil Benstead, Stuart Butchart, Mike Evans, Pete Robertson, Malcolm Starkey, Andy Symes; Contributors: John S. Ash, Neil Baker, Donald Turner (2008). "Friedmann's Lark - BirdLife Species Factsheet". Evaluators: Jeremy Bird, Stuart Butchart, Alison Stattersfield. BirdLife International . Retrieved May 6, 2009.