Karoo long-billed lark facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Karoo long-billed lark
C. s. gilli in Mountain Zebra N. P.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Passeriformes
Family:	Alaudidae
Genus:	Certhilauda
Species:	C. subcoronata
Binomial name
Certhilauda subcoronata Smith, 1843
Subspecies
See text
Range (only up to central Namibia)
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The Karoo long-billed lark (Certhilauda subcoronata) is a type of lark, which is a small bird known for its beautiful songs. This bird lives in southern Africa, especially in dry, bushy areas called shrubland. It's easy to spot because of its long beak!

About This Bird

The Karoo long-billed lark is a special bird that belongs to the lark family, called Alaudidae. It makes its home in places with lots of dry bushes and shrubs. These areas are often found in warmer parts of the world.

Where It Lives

You can find the Karoo long-billed lark in southern Africa. This includes countries like South Africa and Namibia. They prefer areas that are dry and have plenty of low-growing plants.

Scientific Names and Groups

Scientists like to group animals together based on how they are related. This is called taxonomy. Sometimes, it can be a bit confusing because different scientists might have different ideas.

Different Names for the Same Bird

For a while, some experts thought the Karoo long-billed lark was just a type of Cape long-billed lark. Also, the names Damara longbill and Damaraland long-billed lark can be confusing. They are used for both the Karoo long-billed lark and another bird called the Benguela long-billed lark.

Types of Karoo Long-billed Larks

Within the Karoo long-billed lark species, there are four main groups called subspecies. These are like different versions of the same bird, often living in different areas.

• Damara longbill (C. s. damarensis): This subspecies lives in central Namibia. It was first described by a scientist named Richard Bowdler Sharpe in 1904.
• Gordonia longbill (C. s. bradshawi): You can find this one in southern Namibia and the northwestern part of South Africa. It was also described by Sharpe in 1904. Sometimes, it's confusingly called the "large-billed Sabota lark," but that name is also used for the Sabota lark.
• C. s. subcoronata: This is the original subspecies, described by Andrew Smith in 1843. It lives in west-central South Africa.
• C. s. gilli: This subspecies was described by Austin Roberts in 1936. It lives in southern South Africa.

Gallery

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  This picture shows the original subspecies, drawn by Andrew Smith in 1838. Notice the greyish collar, which helps identify this bird.

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  This is a young Gordonia longbill subspecies at Augrabies Falls.