SPECIES

Short-clawed Lark Certhilauda chuana Scientific name definitions

G. Derek Engelbrecht
Version: 2.0 — Published February 23, 2023

Identification

Identification Summary

Short-clawed Lark is a medium- to large-sized lark with an overall slim appearance, resembling a large pipit (Anthus spp.) in shape and posture. It is usually first located by its characteristic song and calls, or when a male performs its spectacular parabolic aerial display. The bill is long, slender and slightly decurved. A broad, long, buffy-white supercilium and distinctly rufous rump are diagnostic. The upper parts are prominently streaked. Although the sexes are monomorphic with regard to plumage coloration, Short-clawed Lark exhibits marked sexual size dimorphism, with males being considerably larger than females.

Field Identification

A medium- to large-sized (18–20 cm) lark with a relatively long, slender bill, a prominent pale buffy-white supercilium, prominent streaking on the head, mantle, and back, a distinctly rufous rump, and a black palate that is visible when calling. It has a slender appearance and its posture is reminiscent of larger Anthus pipits. Sexes are alike in plumage, but females are appreciably smaller than males (female 29 g, male 38 g; see Measurements). There are no seasonal differences in plumage, but hues may differ depending on the color of the substrate (1).

Similar Species Summary

The combination of a long, slender, and slightly decurved bill, long tail, broad buffy-white supercilium, distinctly rufous rump, a black palate that is visible when the bird sings, the absence of malar stripes, and a rufous wing panel, separate it from other similar-sized larks it co-exists with. Within its range, its vocalizations are diagnostic and may only be confused with Eastern Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda semitorquata), where these two species' ranges overlap.

Similar Species

Its range overlaps only marginally with the Eastern Long-billed Lark (subspecies transvaalensis), but that species has minimal dorsal streaking resulting in an overall more rufous appearance, the supercilium is shorter and less pronounced, and the eyes are generally paler; there are also slight differences in the calls of these two species. The Rufous-naped Lark (Mirafra africana) (subspecies transvaalensis) is an overall more stocky lark, has a heavier bill, the mandible is pinkish-gray for almost its entire length, a pink palate is visible when calling, it has a distinctly rufous erectile crest, a rufous panel on the folded wing, and almost the entire distal vane of the outer rectrix is creamy-white to pale rufous; the calls are also entirely different. The Sabota Lark (Calendulauda sabota) (nominate subspecies) is smaller and more compact, with a shorter tail, a shorter and heavier bill, distinct moustachial streaks and malar stripes, buff to rufous distal vanes of the outer rectrices, a pale pinkish-gray mandible, and a pink palate that is visible when it is calling; the calls are also different.

Recommended Citation

Engelbrecht, G. D. (2023). Short-clawed Lark (Certhilauda chuana), version 2.0. In Birds of the World (D. G. Allan, Editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, NY, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bow.shclar1.02