Learn what every symbol on the card means.Full credits and sources at beakbrain.com/symbols
GrasslandCup nestSmall · 24 g
What the Red-capped Lark sounds like
ID tip
The red-capped lark is 14–15 cm (5.5–5.9 in) in length, with a typically upright stance. The colour of the streaked grey to brown upperparts is variable, with subspecies differing in hue and brightness, but this species is easily identified by its rufous cap, white underparts, and red shoulders. The short head crest is normally not noticeable except when it is raised during courtship displays.The sexes are similar in appearance. Juveniles lack the red cap and shoulders of the adults, have dark spotting on the breast, and white spots on the dark brown upperparts.
Text from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
When to see the Red-capped Lark
One bar for each month, and every month is filled: this bird is recorded here in all twelve. The wide bar is October, the month with the most records.
Where to see the Red-capped Lark
The map shades 17 countries with regular records. Everything unshaded has no records. Countries are listed below the map.
About the Red-capped Lark
The red-capped lark is a small passerine bird that breeds in the highlands of eastern Africa southwards from Ethiopia and Somaliland. In the south, its range stretches across the continent to Angola and south to the Cape in South Africa.
Text adapted from Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0.
Easily confused with
Greater Short-toed LarkCalandrella brachydactylaSeveral subspecies have been named but there is considerable geneflow and the species itself forms part of a larger complex.
Hume's Short-toed LarkCalandrella acutirostrisHume's short-toed lark is similar in size and appearance to the greater short-toed lark but is generally a duller-looking bird with slightly darker plumage and a slightly smaller beak.
Blanford's LarkCalandrella blanfordiBlanford's lark is 14–15 centimetres long.
Side by side: Greater Short-toed Lark vs Red-capped Lark
Learn the Red-capped Lark in the BeakBrain App
Photo and call practice. Coming soon to iPhone and Android.
Play today's Daily BirdEvery photo and recording on this page is credited to its author under the licence shown. Spotted a problem with this page, or have a better photo? Contribute.