Red-capped Lark
Calandrella cinerea
Western Cape, South Africa. December 2006 and April 2007

The Red-capped Lark Calandrella cinerea breeds in the highlands of eastern Africa southwards from Ethiopia and northern Somalia. In the south, its range stretches across the continent to Angola and south to the Cape in South Africa. In eastern Africa, this is a bird of the highlands, normally above 1000 m, but it occurs right down to sea level in suitable habitat in the cooler south of its extensive range (as eg the Agulhas Plains).

The Red-capped Lark breeds all year round, but mainly September to December. When not breeding they form quite large flocks - they can be far the most common lark species in eg the karoo - behaving much like Horned Larks foraging in loose groups for seeds and small insects in short-grass/bare ground habitats.

 

 

 

Adult, Agulhas Plain - April (note very worn coverts)

 

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Adult, Tanqua Karoo - September (The species often raises its crest)

 

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Adult, Tanqua Karoo - December

 

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Juvenile, Tanqua Karoo - December (found with the adult in the photo above)

All photographs copyright Charlie Moores