Thekla Lark

Description:

This species is a smallish lark, measuring some 15 to 17 cm in length. The most distinctive feature is a prominent crest. Bird is pale underneath, with heavy dark streaks on chest. The wing covers and back are of 'earth' color, brownish with some darker streaks. It has a distinctive pale eyebrow, and a slightly curved blunt bill.

Habitat:

Seen near the beach and a local fishing port, in a slightly wooded (acacia trees mainly) semi-desert area of Nouakchott.

Notes:

This bird was a subject of quite intense debate on African Bird Club Facebook page... In fact, at first, I thought I spotted Thekla Lark, a lifer for me, but then, while trying to confirm through literature, I became less sure of myself - other option being Crested Lark - and asked members to help with ID. Well, the debate was inconclusive, we were roughly half-half in voting, but through various suggestions I became more sure it was a Thekla - which was finally confirmed also by African Bird Database project of ABC. For more information about the difference between the two species : http://www.andaluciabirdsociety.org/arti....