Galerida

Galerida
Malabar Lark ( Galerida malabarica )
Systematics
Order : Passerines (Passeriformes) Subordination : Songbirds (passeri) without rank: Passerida Superfamily : Sylvioidea Family : Larks (Alaudidae) Genre : Galerida
Scientific name
Galerida
F. Boie , 1828

Distribution map of the genus Galerida

Crested lark
( Galerida cristata )

Theklalerche
( Galerida theklae )

Galerida is a genus of larks . Among the bird species living today, 7 species belong to the genus. A German name for this genus has not yet been established, but they are sometimes referred to as crested larks. The Latin name also refers to the hood and is derived from galerum .

The range of the genus is very large. It ranges from Africa through Europe to Asia. The most southerly representative of the genus is the thick Schnabellerche , which occurs in Namibia and the Republic of South Africa.

features

The species of the genus Galerida are larks with different body sizes. The crested lark , which is probably the best-known representative of the genus, reaches a body length of up to 18 centimeters and weighs up to 54 grams.

The species of the genus are characterized by a comparatively long and strong, pointed beak. The nostrils are covered. The tenth swing arm is clearly visible. The wings 6 to 8 are the same length and form the wing tip. The tail is short compared to other species of lark.

Way of life

Like all larks, the Galerida species are ground breeders. The nest is usually cup-shaped. The diet consists of insects and seeds. All species sing both from low stand guard and when singing. The crested lark , which with its large distribution area also belongs to the avifauna of Central Europe , is known for its talent for imitation. It imitates the singing of numerous other songbird species.

species

The following recent species are included in the genus:

• Crested lark ( Galerida cristata )
• Devalerche ( Galerida deva )
• Big Schnabellerche ( Galerida magnirostris )
• Malabar Lark ( Galerida malabarica )
• Sun Lark ( Galerida modesta )
• Theklalerche ( Galerida theklae )
• Maghreb cheek ( Galerida macrorhyncha )

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 : Galerida  - collection of images, videos and audio files

Single receipts

1. ^ Pätzold: Compendium of Larks . P. 305.
2. ^ Pätzold: Compendium of Larks . P. 304.
3. ^ Pätzold: Compendium of Larks . P. 311.
4. ↑ Nicators, reedling & larks "IOC World Bird List .