| Temminck's lark | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Eremophila |
| Species: | E. bilopha |
| Binomial name | |
| Eremophila bilopha (Temminck, 1823) | |
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| Synonyms | |
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Temminck's lark (Eremophila bilopha) orTemminck's horned lark is abird species of the familyAlaudidae. It breeds across much of north Africa, through northern Saudi Arabia to western Iraq. It is mainly resident, but some populations of thispasserinebird are partiallymigratory, moving further south in winter. This bird's common name commemorates the Dutch naturalistCoenraad Jacob Temminck.[2] The population is declining in Israel and may also be declining elsewhere, probably as a result of habitat loss. Nevertheless, this is a common bird in many parts of its wide range and theInternational Union for Conservation of Nature has rated its conservation status as being of "least concern".[1]
Temminck's lark was originally placed in the genusAlauda before being re-classified toEremophila.
Unlike most other larks, Temminck's lark is a distinctive looking species on the ground, similar to the other, larger, member of its genus, thehorned lark. The 14 to 15 cm (5.5 to 5.9 in) adult is mainly reddish brown-grey above and pale below, and it has a striking black and white face pattern and a distinctive black patch on its breast. The summer male has black "horns", which give this species its alternative name. The juvenile of this species is reddish above and pale below, quite unlike the juvenile horned lark. The adult Temminck's lark differs from the horned lark in its reddish, rather than brown-greyplumage, and the lack of yellow in the face pattern. It has a similar but less harsh metallic call.[3]
Temminck's lark is native to North Africa and the Middle East. Its range includes Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia and Western Sahara.[1]
Thislark is a bird of open stony semi-desert. Its nest is on the ground, with two to foureggs being laid. Its food is seeds supplemented with insects in the breeding season.[4]
