Degodi lark  (Mirafra degodiensis)

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

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

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

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).

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).

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.

For further information on the Degodi lark see:

• BirdLife International:
  http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/ebas/index.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=8117&m=0