Rufous naped lark

Introduction: There are 3 of the 6 subspecies of rufous-naped lark (Mirafra africana) found in Namibia, incorporating a wide range of habitats. This includes open grassy savannahs and woodland, fallow lands and fields and visits some bare grounds next to fields.

Distribution: Inland north and central Namibia, absent from the Namib Desert. Found in Etosha National Park, Windhoek, Okahandja, Kaokoland, Zambezi Region (formerly the Caprivi Strip) and Kaudom Park and Tsumkwe.
Diet: Stands on termite mounds, eating termites as they emerge. Eats other insects such as weevils, bugs, grasshoppers and caterpillars, beetles, earthworms and spiders. Also takes grass seeds.

Description: A large, sturdy lark heard and observed singing year-round, often from a fence post, termite mound or perched on a bush. Similar to the smaller eastern clapper lark.
Breeding: A domed cup of dry grass is built in a scrape in the ground or at the base of a tuft of grass. Females lay 2 or 3 eggs from November to March, incubated for up to 15 days.

Size: 17g.

Weight: 42g.