The Cape clapper lark (Corypha apiata) is a small passerine bird which breeds in southern Africa. It derives its name from the wing clapping which forms part of the display flight. The Cape clapper lark is a species of open grassland and savannah, also inhabiting karoo, fynbos and fallow agricultural land.
| Cape clapper lark | |
|---|---|
| |
| near Aurora, Western Cape | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Passeriformes |
| Family: | Alaudidae |
| Genus: | Corypha |
| Species: | C. apiata
|
| Binomial name | |
| Corypha apiata (Vieillot, 1816)
| |
| Subspecies | |
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See text | |
| |
| resident range | |
| Synonyms | |
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Taxonomy
editThe Cape clapper lark was originally placed in the genus Alauda. This species and the Eastern clapper lark were formerly considered conspecific as the clapper lark (M. apiata) until split in 2009.[2] The Cape clapper lark and the Eastern clapper lark are regarded as forming a superspecies with the flappet lark, which is found further to the north.[3] Bar-tailed lark is another alternate name for the Cape clapper lark.
The Cape clapper lark was formerly placed in the genus Mirafra. It is one of several species that were moved to the resurrected genus Corypha based on the results of a large molecular genetic study by the Swedish ornithologist Per Alström and collaborators that was published in 2023.[4][5]
Subspecies
editTwo subspecies are recognised:[4]
- C. a. apiata (Vieillot, 1816) – southwest Namibia and west South Africa
- C. a. marjoriae (Winterbottom, 1956) – southwest South Africa
Description
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This lark is a 15 cm long bird, with a brown crown, rich rufous underparts, and a strong bill. The Cape clapper lark has grey upperparts and a grey face, and the Agulhas clapper lark has dark brown upperparts, although individual variation means that it cannot always be reliably distinguished from the nominate race.
The display commences with an ascending flight with wing flapping. The Cape clapper lark has a slower wing clap compared to the Eastern clapper lark, and its otherwise similar call is longer and rises in pitch more. The Agulhas clapper lark has a fast wing clap, and a descending double whistled "peeeooo" call.
Behaviour
editThe Cape clapper lark is a skulking species and difficult to find when not displaying. It is not gregarious, and individuals tend to be seen in dry habitats feeding on the ground on seeds and insects.
References
edit- ^ BirdLife International (2017). "Mirafra apiata". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017: e.T103765237A112872310. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-1.RLTS.T103765237A112872310.en. Retrieved 13 November 2021.
- ^ "Species Version 2 « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
- ^ Keith, Stuart; Urban, Emil K.; Martin, Woodcock; Ian, Willis (2000-01-01). The birds of Africa. Vol. 6. Academic Press. ISBN 0121373061. OCLC 59539112.
- ^ a b Gill, Frank; Donsker, David; Rasmussen, Pamela, eds. (August 2024). "Nicators, Bearded Reedling, larks". IOC World Bird List Version 14.2. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 10 September 2024.
- ^ Alström, P.; Mohammadi, Z.; Enbody, E.D.; Irestedt, M.; Engelbrecht, D.; Crochet, P.-A.; Guillaumet, A.; Rancilhac, L.; Tieleman, B.I.; Olsson, U.; Donald, P.F.; Stervander, M. (2023). "Systematics of the avian family Alaudidae using multilocus and genomic data". Avian Research. 14: 100095. doi:10.1016/j.avrs.2023.100095.
- Sinclair, Hockey and Tarboton, SASOL Birds of Southern Africa, ISBN 1-86872-721-1
External links
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- Species text - The Atlas of Southern African Birds