Spike-heeled lark facts for kids

The spike-heeled lark (Chersomanes albofasciata) is a small bird that lives in southern Africa. It is part of the lark family, called Alaudidae. This bird is known for its unique appearance and where it chooses to live.

Quick facts for kids Spike-heeled lark
C. a. erikssoni in Etosha National Park
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Chersomanes
Species:	albofasciata
Subspecies
See text
resident range
Synonyms
Certhilauda albofasciata Chersomanes garrula Chersomanes rufulus

Where the Spike-Heeled Lark Lives

This lark makes its home in specific natural habitats. You can find it in dry shrubland areas. These are places with many bushes and small trees. It also lives in grasslands that get wet or flooded during certain seasons. These areas are often found in low-lying parts of the land.

Understanding Its Family Tree

Scientists group living things into families. This helps us understand how they are related. The spike-heeled lark belongs to the lark family.

Different Types of Spike-Heeled Larks

Just like there are different types of dogs, there are different types of spike-heeled larks. These are called subspecies. Scientists currently recognize ten different subspecies of the spike-heeled lark. Each one might have slight differences in looks or where it lives.

Here are a few examples of these subspecies:

• Benguella rufous long-billed lark (C. a. obscurata): This type is found in south-western and central Angola.
• Ovampo rufous long-billed lark (C. a. erikssoni): You can find this one in northern Namibia.
• Damara rufous long-billed lark (C. a. arenaria): This subspecies lives in southern Namibia and south-western South Africa.
• Rufous long-billed lark (C. a. albofasciata): This is the main type. It is found from south-eastern Botswana to central South Africa.

Gallery

• 

  A pair in flight
• 

  C. albofasciata alticola at Suikerbosrand, Gauteng
• 

  C. a. kalahariae in the Kgalagadi T. F. Park