Degodi lark
| Degodi lark | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Mirafra |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: | M. g. degodiensis
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| Trinomial name | |
| Mirafra gilletti degodiensis (Érard, 1976)
| |
| Synonyms | |
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The Degodi lark (Mirafra gilletti degodiensis) is a lark in the family Alaudidae endemic to Ethiopia. It is now considered a subspecies of Gillett's lark.
Taxonomy and systematics[edit]
Formerly, the Degodi lark was considered to be a separate species, but was re-classified as a subspecies of Gillett's lark in 2012 by the IOC.[1] Many other authorities have not yet followed this taxonomic change.[2] The alternate name "Sidamo lark" is also used as alternate name by Archer's lark. Other alternate names include Degodi bushlark and Erard's lark.
Description[edit]
The Degodi lark is a small (14 cm long), slender lark, with abundant streaking, very similar to a pipit. There are markings on the breast faint on light, buff underbelly. The voice is a 4- to 6-note trill; twill-ill-ill-ill-ill, and shorter tsee-tsee.[3]
Distribution and habitat[edit]
There is, at present, no more than a rough sketch of the Degodi lark, gleaned from infrequently gathered facts. This, as well, goes for its population and range, but it is believed to have a very small population. Its known range covers about 400 square kilometres, possibly up to 2,000 square kilometres. It is seen most reliably east of Bogol Manya, Ethiopia.[3] Its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and is found among low acacia bushes on bare soil, with scattered Commiphora bushes and other species.
Behaviour and ecology[edit]
Degodi larks are often seen using bushes for perches. It eats caterpillars and small orthopterans.
Status[edit]
It is threatened by habitat loss.[3]
References[edit]
- ^ "IOC World Bird List 3.1". IOC World Bird List Datasets. doi:10.14344/ioc.ml.3.1.
- ^ "Mirafra gilletti degodiensis - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-28.
- ^ a b c Compilers: Jonathan Ekstrom, Sue Shutes; Malcolm Starkey; Joe Taylor (2008). "Degodi Lark - BirdLife Species Factsheet". Evaluators: Stuart Butchart, Joe Taylor. Contributor: Ian Sinclair. BirdLife International. Retrieved May 11, 2009.
- Collar, N. J., C. Dingle, M. N. Gabremichael, and C. N. Spottoswoode. 2009. Taxonomic status of the Degodi Lark Mirafra degodiensis, with notes on the voice of Gillett's Lark M. gilletti. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists' Club 129: 49-62
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