Karoo lark

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Karoo lark (Calendulauda albescens)

The Karoo lark, also called the red-backed lark, is a small bird in the lark family. It is found only in South Africa, where its natural habitat is subtropical or tropical dry shrubland. Its conservation status is Least Concern.

Taxonomy: It belongs to the family Alaudidae, genus Calendulauda, species albescens. It was originally placed in the genera Alauda, Mirafra, and Certhilauda before being moved to Calendulauda in 2009 by the IOC; some authorities still use the old names.

Subspecies: Four subspecies are recognized. In the past, some scientists treated the dune lark and Barlow's lark as subspecies of the Karoo lark.

Note: Do not confuse the Karoo lark with the similar-sounding Karoo long-billed lark.