Cape clapper lark facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cape clapper lark |
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| near Aurora, Western Cape | |
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| Genus: |
Mirafra
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| Species: |
apiata
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The Cape clapper lark (Mirafra apiata) is a small passerine bird that lives in southern Africa. It's famous for the special sound it makes with its wings during its display flight. This sound is like clapping! You can find the Cape clapper lark in open grasslands, savannas, and even in areas with karoo plants, fynbos shrubs, or old farm fields.
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Discover the Cape Clapper Lark
The Cape clapper lark got its name because of the unique clapping sound it makes with its wings. This happens when the bird flies up high to show off. It's a small bird, about 15 centimeters long.
What Does It Look Like?
This lark has a brown top of its head and a strong beak. Its belly is a rich reddish-brown color. The upper parts of its body and its face are usually grey. However, some Cape clapper larks can have dark brown upper parts.
How It Got Its Name
Scientists first placed the Cape clapper lark in a different group called Alauda. Later, they realized it belonged with other larks in the Mirafra group. For a while, the Cape clapper lark and the Eastern clapper lark were thought to be the same species. But in 2009, scientists decided they were different. They are now considered "sister species" that are very closely related. Another name for this bird is the Bar-tailed lark.
Different Types of Cape Clapper Larks
There are two main types, or subspecies, of the Cape clapper lark:
- M. a. apiata (named by Vieillot in 1816) — You can find this type in southwestern Namibia and western South Africa.
- Agulhas clapper lark (M. a. marjoriae) (named by Winterbottom in 1956) — This type lives in the southern part of the Western Cape Province in South Africa, reaching as far east as Knysna.
The Clapping Display
When the Cape clapper lark wants to show off, it flies upwards while clapping its wings. The Cape clapper lark claps its wings slower than the Eastern clapper lark. Its call is also longer and gets higher in pitch. The Agulhas clapper lark has a fast wing clap. It makes a special "peeeooo" sound that goes down in pitch.
Where It Lives and What It Does
The Cape clapper lark is a shy bird. It likes to hide and can be hard to spot unless it's doing its display flight. These birds do not live in large groups. You will usually see them alone in dry areas. They search for food on the ground, eating mostly seeds and insects.
