Eremopterix

Eremopterix
Brown saddle plate , Tanzania ( Eremopterix leucopareia )
Systematics
Order : Passerines (Passeriformes) Subordination : Songbirds (passeri) without rank: Passerida Superfamily : Sylvioidea Family : Larks (Alaudidae) Genre : Eremopterix
Scientific name
Eremopterix
Kaup , 1836

Distribution map of the genus Eremopterix

Six Eremopterix species, the male and the female are shown. Beginning from the top left are Eremopterix australis , Eremopterix verticalis , Eremopterix leucotis , Eremopterix leucopareia , Eremopterix signatus and Eremopterix nigriceps

Eremopterix is a genus of larks . Among the bird species living today, eight species belong to the genus. A German name has not yet been used for this genus.

The range of the genus is very large. It stretches from North Africa through the Middle East to the Indian subcontinent . All species are classified as Least Concern by the IUCN .

features

The species of the genus Eremopterix are small larks that are reminiscent of finches or sparrows in their habitus . They have short, thick beaks with which they are able to husk seeds such as millet. Unlike in the species of the genus Mirafra , Pinarocorys , Certhilauda and Alaemon, the nostrils are not exposed, but covered with small bristle-like feathers.

The tenth swing arm is small but recognizable. The eighth to ninth hand wings are about the same length and form the tip of the wing. The rear claw is comparatively short and curved.

Apart from the Hovalerche , there is a pronounced sexual dimorphism in the species of the genus Eremopterix . The males have a black and white head pattern or have as the black cheeks lark a completely black head.

Distribution area

The main distribution area of ​​the genus is Africa. Some species such as the white-cheeked lark are common in large parts of the continent. The Hovalerche occurs exclusively in Madagascar and is the only representative in the lark family there. The distribution area White-fronted Lark stretches from Africa to India. Only the gray whiskey is found exclusively on the Indian subcontinent.

Way of life

Like all larks, the Eremopterix species are ground breeders. The nest is not arched and is often built under the protection of stones, tufts of grass or shrubs. The diet consists of insects and seeds. All species sing both from low stand guard and when singing.

species

The following recent species are included in the genus:

• Black- eared Lark ( Eremopterix australis )
• Gray Leller ( Eremopterix grisea )
• Brown Sidereal ( Eremopterix leucopareia )
• Barnacle Lark ( Eremopterix leucotis )
• White- fronted Lark ( Eremopterix nigriceps )
• Harlequin Lark ( Eremopterix signata )
• Nunlark ( Eremopterix verticalis )
• Hovalerche ( Eremopterix hova )

literature

• Rudolf Pätzold: The larks of the world . Westarp Sciences, Magdeburg 1994, ISBN 3-89432-422-8 .
• Rudolf Pätzold: Compendium of Larks. All the larks on earth. Jan-Schimkat-Medienpublikation, Dresden 2003, ISBN 3-00-011219-7 .

Web links

Commons : Eremopterix  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Single receipts

1. ^ Pätzold: Compendium of Larks . P. 146.
2. ↑ Pätzold: The larks of the world . P. 38.
3. ↑ Nicators, reedling & larks "IOC World Bird List .