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Agulhas long-billed lark

Agulhas long-billed lark is adapting and surviving despite farming taking over their nesting grounds in South Africa.

About Agulhas long-billed lark:

  • It is a small passerine bird.
  • It builds nests on the ground mainly in Renosterveld fynbos, a type of vegetation filled with grasses and wild spring flowers.
  • It is a South African endemic species restricted to the Agulhas plains.
  • These are generally “little brown birds” that are often difficult to identify.
  • These larks prefer to nest in Renosterveld.
  • Habitat: It appears to have adapted quite well to its modified habitats, like farmlands, although its distribution is patchy for unknown reasons.
  • Distribution: Its restricted range is centred on the Agulhas arable farmlands, from east of the Hottentots-Holland mountain range to Mossel Bay.
  • Conservation status
    • IUCN: Near-threatened 
  • Threats: Land use changes or any freak occurrence could be detrimental to the whole species and to other species that depend on this vegetation.

What is a passerine bird?

  • A passerine or passeriform is a member of the order Passeriformes, the largest order of birds, containing more than half of all species.
  • They are also known as perching birds or, less accurately, as songbirds.
  • Passerines are all terrestrial, found on all continents except Antarctica.