Karoo lark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karoo lark |
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| C. a. subsp. guttata near Springbok | |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Calendulauda |
| Species: |
C. albescens
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| Binomial name | |
| Calendulauda albescens (Lafresnaye, 1839)
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| Subspecies | |
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See text |
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| Synonyms | |
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The Karoo lark (Calendulauda albescens), also known as the red-backed lark, is a small bird belonging to the lark family, Alaudidae. This special bird lives only in South Africa, meaning it is endemic to that country. You can find it in dry areas with lots of shrubland, which is like a bushy grassland.
The Karoo lark should not be confused with the similarly named Karoo long-billed lark.
Contents
About the Karoo Lark
The Karoo lark is a type of songbird. It gets its name from the Karoo region in South Africa, where it lives. These birds are well-suited to their dry homes. They often blend in with the sandy, rocky ground. This helps them hide from predators.
How Scientists Classify the Karoo Lark
Scientists group living things into categories. This helps them understand how different species are related. This system is called taxonomy. The Karoo lark is part of the Calendulauda group. It was moved into this group in 2009. Before that, it was placed in other groups like Alauda and Mirafra. Scientists sometimes change how they classify animals. They do this as they learn more about them.
Different Types of Karoo Larks (Subspecies)
Within a single species, there can be smaller groups called subspecies. These groups have slight differences, often because they live in different areas. There are four recognized subspecies of the Karoo lark:
- C. a. codea - (Smith, A, 1843): This subspecies lives along the western coast of South Africa.
- C. a. albescens - (Lafresnaye, 1839): You can find this type in the southwestern part of South Africa.
- C. a. guttata - (Lafresnaye, 1839): This subspecies is found in western South Africa.
- C. a. karruensis - Roberts, 1936: This type of Karoo lark lives in southern South Africa.
Gallery
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C. a. subsp. codea, illustrated by Andrew Smith, 1838
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C. a. subsp. guttata, illustrated by Andrew Smith, 1838
 | William M. Jackson |
 | Juan E. Gilbert |
 | Neil deGrasse Tyson |
