Galerida cristata - Crested Lark
Feather characters. Barbules are extremely short (0.55-0.61 mm) and divided into pigmented nodes and unpigmented internodes. Occasionally some pigment may be found in parts of internodes. Bell-shaped nodes are equally distributed along the entire length of barbules (30-34 per mm). They all are about the same size, slightly decreasing towards distal end. Villi are rounded and internodes are straight. Minute prongs are present on distal end of barbules and on both sides of the pennulum. Barbules have this typical structure for Passeriformes; pigmented, bell-shaped nodes combined with rounded villi.
Field characters. Size 17 cm. Weight: male 44.8 g (38.0-52.0), female 42.6 g (37.0-48.0) (Cramp (chief ed.) 1988). Together with very similar Thekla Lark (Galerida theklae, not included in BRIS) easily identified by long pointed crest, even obvious when not raised. Plumage brown or greyish-brown, with washed-out black streaks on upperparts. Head somewhat more strongly marked than Skylark, with dark moustachial stripe and dark stripe under eye. Breast strongly marked with dark washed-out streaks, extending onto flanks. Belly greyish-white. Tail rather short, black with buff outer tail feathers. Bill long and strong, full chest gives heavy, round-bodied appearance. Flight strongly undulating, with flapping wingbeats. Broad wing and short tail gives compact silhouette. Usually found in singles, two's or small families, but never in flocks. Usually very tame and runs rather than flies away.
Voice. Call soft 'djuie' or 'tsuwieuw'. Song, given from ground, low song post or in flight, fluting and chattering, 'die-die-lieuw' or variations. Also imitates.
Distribution. Mainly resident. Scarce and widespread in north and west of region, becoming rare in many parts, but common in south-west and south-east. Map: see MapIt.
Habitat. Open sandy and dusty plains with sparse vegetation, often near human settlements. Avoids woodlands and humid areas.
Food. Invertebrates, seeds and leaves, taken from surface or by probing.