Red-capped Lark

Calandrella cinerea

Other Names

    Alouette cendrille   Rotkappenlerche     Rödkronad lärka   Roodkapkortteenleeuwerik   Calandrella capirossa

World: Africa - Found in the Eastern and southern areas of the continent. N of 5°S it extends through the highland areas of East Africa reaching Ethiopia and northern Somalia. Below 5°S it is widespread extending down into South Africa.

Kenya: Found mainly in the Rift Valley and surrounding highlands. Although mainly found between 1200-1300m it does occur down to 950m.

A locally common bird of short grass plains. It is found in small flocks on patches of bare ground and adopts a somewhat upright stance. The crest, though present, is normally not noticeable but is raised during courtship displays.

There are 2 races present in Kenya; C. c. williamsi (pictured above) has an overall greyer colouration and is found mainly above 1200m in the Central Kenyan highlands (but reaching as far S as Amboseli NP where this picture was taken). C. c. saturatior is brighter and more rufous and is found in the Mara region.