Degodi lark (Mirafra degodiensis)

Degodi lark
Degodi lark

Degodi lark fact file

Degodi lark description

KingdomAnimalia
PhylumChordata
ClassAves
OrderPasseriformes
FamilyAlaudidae
GenusMirafra (1)

Larks are a family of ground-dwelling birds, all with streaked brown plumage. The medium-sized Degodi lark has fine, but dense streaks on dull brown plumage. The head has a rufous washed crown, a whitish stripe above the eye, and a contrasting dark brown stripe running through the eye. The underparts are white or creamy white, with rufous-brown streaks on the breast. The eyes are dark brown, the bill is the colour of pale horn, and the legs are pinkish brown (2).

French
Alouette de Gillett.
Size
Length: 16 cm (2)
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Degodi lark biology

Grasshoppers and small caterpillars make up the majority of the Degodi lark’s diet. It feeds on the ground, typically remaining in the shade of bushes during most of the day, and is generally found singly or in pairs (2). Nothing is known specifically about the breeding biology of this species, but generally, lark species lay two to six eggs in nests situated on the ground. The young chicks often leave the nest before they can fly (4).

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Degodi lark range

The Degodi lark is known only from four locations around Bogol Manya, in the Degodi region of southern Ethiopia (2) (3).

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Degodi lark habitat

Found in arid acacia bushes on bare soil, with scattered bushes of other species, at 300 to 400 meters elevation (2) (3).

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Degodi lark status

Classified as Vulnerable (VU) on the IUCN Red List 2006 (1).

IUCN Red List species status – Least Concern

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Degodi lark threats

The Degodi lark is known from only a very small area, which is likely to make it vulnerable to threats, but with such little information regarding its biology and current status, it is hard to determine the extent to which it may be impacted. Increased grazing pressure and firewood collection are possible future threats to the habitat of the Degodi lark (2).

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Degodi lark conservation

There are no protected areas within the range of the Degodi lark, and very few surveys and no conservation measures have been undertaken due to the inaccessibility and instability of the area (2) (3). Field studies to determine the range, population size and status of the species are proposed, as well as research to assess potential threats and suitable conservation actions (3).

View information on this species at the UNEP World Conservation Monitoring Centre.

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Find out more

For further information on the Degodi lark see:

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Authentication

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk

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References

  1. IUCN Red List (January, 2007)
    http://www.iucnredlist.org
  2. del Hoyo, J., Elliott, A. and Sargatal, J. (2004) Handbook of the Birds of the World. Vol. 9: Cotingas to Pipits and Wagtails. Lynx Edicions, Barcelona.
  3. BirdLife International (June, 2007)
    http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/ebas/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=8117&m=0
  4. Burnie, D. (2001) Animal. Dorling Kindersley, London.

More »Related species

Williams’s lark (Mirafra williamsi)Jerdon's bushlark (Mirafra affinis)Melodious lark (Mirafra cheniana)Friedmann’s lark (Mirafra pulpa)Rudd's lark (Heteromirafra ruddi)Oriental skylark (Alauda gulgula)Greater hoopoe-lark (Alaemon alaudipes)Skylark (Alauda arvensis)

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