Cape clapper lark

The Cape clapper lark (Mirafra apiata) is a small passerine bird which breeds in southern Africa. It derives its name from the wing clapping which forms part of the display flight. The Cape clapper lark is a species of open grassland and savannah, also inhabiting karoo, fynbos and fallow agricultural land.

Cape clapper lark
in the Namaqua National Park

Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Mirafra
Species:
M. apiata
Binomial name
Mirafra apiata
(Vieillot, 1816)
Subspecies

See text

     resident range
Synonyms
  • Alauda apiata
  • Mirafra batesi
  • Mirafra damarensis
  • Mirafra hewitti

Taxonomy and systematics

The Cape clapper lark was originally placed in the genus Alauda. This species and the Eastern clapper lark were formerly considered conspecific as the clapper lark (M. apiata) until split in 2009.[2] The Cape clapper lark and the Eastern clapper lark are regarded as forming a superspecies with the flappet lark, which is found further to the north.[3] Bar-tailed lark is another alternate name for the Cape clapper lark.

Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:[4]

  • M. a. apiata - (Vieillot, 1816): Found in south-western Namibia and western South Africa
  • Agulhas clapper lark (M. a. marjoriae) - Winterbottom, 1956: Found in southern Western Cape Province, South Africa as far east as Knysna.

Description

This lark is a 15 cm long bird, with a brown crown, rich rufous underparts, and a strong bill. The Cape clapper lark has grey upperparts and a grey face, and the Agulhas clapper lark has dark brown upperparts, although individual variation means that it cannot always be reliably distinguished from the nominate race.

The display commences with an ascending flight with wing flapping. The Cape clapper lark has a slower wing clap compared to the Eastern clapper lark, and its otherwise similar call is longer and rises in pitch more. The Agulhas clapper lark has a fast wing clap, and a descending double whistled "peeeooo" call.

Behaviour

The Cape clapper lark is a skulking species and difficult to find when not displaying. It is not gregarious, and individuals tend to be seen in dry habitats feeding on the ground on seeds and insects.

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Mirafra apiata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "Species Version 2 « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  3. 1931-, Keith, Stuart; 1934-, Urban, Emil K.; Martin., Woodcock; Ian., Willis (2000-01-01). The birds of Africa. Vol. 6. Academic Press. ISBN 0121373061. OCLC 59539112.CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  4. "IOC World Bird List 6.4". IOC World Bird List Datasets. doi:10.14344/ioc.ml.6.4.
  • Sinclair, Hockey and Tarboton, SASOL Birds of Southern Africa, ISBN 1-86872-721-1
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