Archer's lark

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Archer's lark
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Passeriformes
Family: Alaudidae
Genus: Heteromirafra
Species:
H. archeri
Binomial name
Heteromirafra archeri
Clarke, 1920
Heteromirafra archeri distribution map.png
Synonyms
  • Heteromirafra ruddi archeri
  • Mirafra archeri

Archer's lark (Heteromirafra archeri), also known as the Liben lark, [2] is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in Somalia and Ethiopia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss. The bird's common name and binomial commemorate the British explorer and colonial official Sir Geoffrey Francis Archer. [3]

Contents

Taxonomy and systematics

Formerly, the Liben lark has been considered by some authorities as belonging to the genus Mirafra . [4] The Sidamo lark was previously considered as a separate species (as H. sidamoensis) and by some authorities as a subspecies of Liben lark (as H. a. sidamoensis), but since 2014 has been considered conspecific with the Liben lark. [5] [6] Note that the alternate names "long-clawed lark" and "Sidamo lark" are also used as alternate names by Rudd's lark and Degodi lark respectively. Some authorities have also considered Archer's lark to be a subspecies of Rudd's lark. [4] The alternate name "Somali lark" is more commonly used by the species of the same name, Mirafra somalica , but also as an alternate name for Sharpe's lark. [7] Other alternate names for the Liben lark include Archer's long-clawed lark, Ethiopian long-clawed lark, Sidamo bushlark, Sidamo long-clawed lark and Somali long-clawed lark.

Description

The Liben lark is about 14 cm (5.5 in) long, with a relatively large head and short, plump body. It has buff underparts with a streaky breast. Its plumage is predominantly brown and reddish brown. It has a short, thin tail which is brown with white outer feathers. [2] The call is unknown. [2]

Behaviour

The birds are largely terrestrial and their behaviour is cryptic. Though quite capable of flight, they often prefer to conceal themselves in vegetation. [8]

Breeding

Nests have been found in summer. Clutch-size is three. [2]

Feeding

Its diet is likely to consist of seeds and small invertebrates, including worms.

Distribution and habitat

The bird's preferred habitat is open grasslands and rocky country, vegetated with tussocky perennial grasses and having an annual rainfall of 300–400 mm (12–16 in). [1] The total area in which Liben lark can be found is estimated to be only 52 km2 (20 sq mi), largely in Ethiopia. [1] The birds have not been recorded from the Wajaale clay plains on the border of Ethiopia and Somalia since 1922. [9] Due to habitat loss, Archer's lark has not been found in Somalia, since at least 1970. [10] [11]

Status and conservation

The population is estimated to number 50–250 mature individuals, based on a lack of confirmed sightings despite several searches having been conducted since 1955 in Somalia and Ethiopia. [10] One of the last possible sightings of the bird was in Ethiopia in 2003. The species was declared critically endangered in 2005 and a conversation program to restore and protect grasslands has been initiated. [2]

In 2011, David Hoddinott and his bird watching group had a sighting of a bird that may have been a Liben lark in north-eastern Ethiopia. They were able to get a photograph which is being studied to confirm the observation. [12]

Threats

Human activities in the Negele plateau are causing the loss of crucial grassland habitat for the Liben lark. These activities include the encroachment of Acacia drepanolobium bushes. The enforcement of fire suppression measures since the 1980s may have worsened this issue by reducing available grassland. [1]

The region's local human population is under increasing pressure due to the arrival of refugees from drought-stricken and tribal conflict areas. This has led to a transition from nomadic pastoralism to permanent cultivation, posing a significant threat to the species. Moreover, the development of a watering point in the core of the species' range has led to livestock concentration, causing habitat disturbance, overgrazing, and trampling. [1]

The Liben lark's habitat continues to degrade, possibly due to overgrazing and the conversion of grassland into cultivated land. Between 2010 and 2011, a significant portion of grassland on the northern side of the Liben Plain was lost to agriculture. While a military training area was previously considered a potential threat, it was abandoned by July 2005. Nevertheless, concerns persist regarding environmental changes, including drought and rising temperatures. [1]

Historical land use by refugees in the Liben lark's original grassland site in Somalia led to the loss of essential grasses. Though the refugees have departed, intensive farming, grazing, and habitat disruption continue. Settlements, fires, and invasive species exacerbate habitat loss, threatening the Liben lark's survival. [1]

Related Research Articles

<i>Alauda</i> Genus of birds

Alauda is a genus of larks found across much of Europe, Asia and in the mountains of north Africa, and one of the species endemic to the islet of Raso in the Cape Verde Islands. Further, at least two additional species are known from the fossil record. The current genus name is from Latin alauda, "lark". Pliny the Elder thought the word was originally of Celtic origin.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Singing bush lark</span> Species of bird

The singing bush lark or Horsfield's bush lark is a species of lark which inhabits grassland throughout most of Australia and much of Southeast Asia. It was described by the American naturalist Thomas Horsfield.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Melodious lark</span> Species of bird

The melodious lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in southern Africa. It is currently threatened by habitat loss.

<i>Mirafra</i> Genus of birds

Mirafra is a genus of lark in the family Alaudidae. Some Mirafra species are called "larks", while others are called "bush larks". They are found from Africa through South Asia to Australia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Collared lark</span> Species of bird

The collared lark or collared bushlark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in East Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kordofan lark</span> African species of lark

Kordofan lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in Africa.

The Degodi lark is a lark in the family Alaudidae endemic to Ethiopia. It is now considered a subspecies of Gillett's lark.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red-winged lark</span> Species of bird

The red-winged lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in eastern Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monotonous lark</span> Species of bird

The monotonous lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in southern Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pink-breasted lark</span> Species of bird

The pink-breasted lark or pink-breasted bushlark is a species of passerine bird in the family Alaudidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Friedmann's lark</span> Species of bird

Friedmann's lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in East Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Somali lark</span> Species of bird

The Somali lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae endemic to Somalia.

<i>Calandrella</i> Genus of birds

Calandrella is a genus of larks in the family Alaudidae.

<i>Certhilauda</i> Genus of birds

Certhilauda is a genus of larks in the family Alaudidae living in the southern regions of Africa. The genus was formerly named Heterocorys.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Red lark</span> Species of bird

The red lark, also known as the ferruginous lark or ferruginous sand-lark, is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in western South Africa and possibly Namibia. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical dry shrubland and subtropical or tropical dry lowland grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Short-clawed lark</span> Species of bird

The short-clawed lark or short-clawed bush-lark, is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in Botswana and South Africa. Its natural habitat is dry savannah.

<i>Heteromirafra</i> Genus of birds

Heteromirafra is a small genus of African larks in the family Alaudidae.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rudd's lark</span> Species of bird

Rudd's lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is endemic to South Africa. Its natural habitat is high-altitude grassland. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">White-tailed lark</span> Species of bird

The white-tailed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae found in Africa.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Foxy lark</span> Species of bird

The foxy lark or Abyssinian lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in east-central Africa.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 BirdLife International (2018). "Heteromirafra archeri". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018: e.T84543703A131105923. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T84543703A131105923.en . Retrieved 13 November 2021.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 "Liben Lark ('Heteromirafra archeri)". BirdLife International . Retrieved 15 November 2019.
  3. ↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael (2003). Whose Bird? Men and Women Commemorated in the Common Names of Birds. London: Christopher Helm. p. 29.
  4. 1 2 "Heteromirafra archeri - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  5. ↑ "Heteromirafra sidamoensis - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-21.
  6. ↑ "Species 4.1 to 4.4 « IOC World Bird List". www.worldbirdnames.org. Retrieved 2016-11-20.
  7. ↑ "Mirafra sharpii - Avibase". avibase.bsc-eoc.org. Retrieved 2016-11-29.
  8. ↑ Butchart, Stuart. "Birds to Find: A Review of ‘lost’, Obscure and Poorly Known African Bird Species." Bull ABC, 2007. Web. 22 Oct. 2012.
  9. ↑ Birding Africa, June 2010. "Archer's Lark Grasslands in Somalia Invaded by Noxious Parthenium Weed". Retrieved 25 October 2012
  10. 1 2 Paul F. Donald, Graeme M. Buchanan, Nigel J. Collar, Yilma Dellelegn Abebe, Merid N. Gabremichael, M. A. Kiragu Mwangi, Paul Kariuki Ndang'ang'a, Claire N. Spottiswoode and Mengistu Wondafrash (2010). Rapid declines in habitat quality and population size of the Liben (Sidamo) Lark Heteromirafra sidamoensis necessitate immediate conservation action. Bird Conservation International, 20, pp 112 doi : 10.1017/S0959270910000018
  11. ↑ "Archer's Lark." Species2011S. Web. 25 Oct. 2012. <http://species2011s.wikispaces.com/4 Archer's Lark>
  12. ↑ Rock Jumping Team. "Rockjumper - Worldwide Birding Adventures: Significant Ethiopian Discovery - Heteromirafra Larks by David Hoddinott". 16 May 2011. Retrieved 25 Oct. 2012.
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