Catching larks is not easy, unless flocks (or single birds) come to drink at water. While ringing at New Holme in the Northern Cape, we brought 4 larks, all of different species, to the ringing table at the same time. A Spike-heeled Lark and an Eastern Clapper Lark were caught in spring traps, and a Red-capped Lark and a Grey-backed Sparrow-lark were in the net next to a pool of water.
These lark species differ in size – the above photo shows the larks in sequence of shortest to longest hind-claw length (this does not match sequence of wing nor tail length).
Thanks to New Holme for hosting us!
Fact sheet:
Number ringed to date (SAFRING): [1948-2024]
-
- Grey-backed Sparrow-lark 1648
- Eastern Clapper Lark 53
- Red-capped Lark 812
- Spike-heeled Lark 338
Longevity: oldest of the 4 species – Spike-heeled Lark 5y 6m 14d [9 retraps]
Trip report: BDI report
Reason special: unusual to catch so many lark species at once
