Pink-breasted lark

The pink-breasted lark (Calendulauda poecilosterna) or pink-breasted bushlark is a species of passerine bird in the family Alaudidae.

Pink-breasted lark
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Calendulauda
Species:
C. poecilosterna
Binomial name
Calendulauda poecilosterna
(Reichenow, 1879)
Synonyms
  • Alauda poecilosterna
  • Mirafra poecilosterna

Taxonomy and systematics

This species was originally classified in the genus Alauda and then Mirafra until moved to the new genus Calendulauda in 2009 by the IOC.[2] Not all authorities have followed this taxonomy change.[3]

Distribution and habitat

The pink-breasted lark is estimated to have a global extent of occurrence of 560,000 km2, covering a broad range from south-eastern South Sudan and southern Ethiopia through Kenya to southern Somalia, north-eastern Tanzania and eastern Uganda.[1]

Its natural habitat is dry savannah, open bush and wooded areas, in particular dry acacia and Commiphora scrub.

Behaviour and ecology

It is generally found singly or in pairs foraging on the ground for insects and seeds. When disturbed it flies to a safe, elevated position on the branch of a tree or on the top of a bush. These are also its favoured perches for engaging in territorial song.[4]

References
  1. BirdLife International (2012). "Mirafra poecilosterna". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012. Retrieved 26 November 2013.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)
  2. "Taxonomy Version 2 « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  3. "Calendulauda poecilosterna - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-17.
  4. Kenya Birds


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