|
|
|
Useful Links |
Black-eared Sparrowlark | Eremopterix australis
The Black-eared Sparrowlark is a Southern African bird that belongs to the Alaudidae bird family group which includes birds such as Larks, Sparrowlarks. The description for the Black-eared Sparrowlark (Latin name Eremopterix australis) can be found in the 7th Edition of the Roberts Birds of Southern Africa. The Eremopterix australis can be quickly identified by its unique Roberts identification number of 517 and the detailed description of this bird is on page 885. You will find a picture of the Black-eared Sparrowlark on page 913. NOTE: The reference for the information following is "Roberts Birds of Southern Africa", 7th Edition*. This edition contained a number of taxonomic changes as well as changes to English names used traditionally and in earlier editions of most bird books in South Africa. The following paragraph notes such changes if any. This bird is known as Black-eared Finchlark in the Roberts 6th Edition. There have been no changes in the Latin name for the Black-eared Sparrowlark between the Roberts 6th and Roberts 7th Edition The Black-eared Sparrowlark is known in Afrikaans as Swartoorlewerik. The Black-eared Sparrowlark is Endemic to the Southern African Region which means that this bird is only found in this region and nowhere else in the world. The Black-eared Sparrowlark has a height of 13 cms and weighs around 14 gms. The head is coloured black while the bill is coloured blue. The Eremopterix australis has a black coloured throat, grey legs and a brown coloured back. The eyes are red. The male Eremopterix australis has physical features that are slightly different from the female bird. Take note of the main distinguishing features such as colour, size and leg length relative to the body size. Colours of body parts can be helpful. Be aware what may appear brown to one person is described in Roberts using some other word ... for example brown, black. See colours used in Roberts. Head is black Eyes are red Bill is blue Legs are grey Throat is black Back is brown Feeding Habits ...This bird forages for food on the ground This bird eats insects such as butterflies, bees, wasps, locusts and ants. These invertebrates are usually hawked aerially, killed and then eaten . Breeding, Habitat and Nesting Habits ...The Black-eared Sparrowlark is a monogamous bird which means that the bird finds and breeds with one partner for the rest of its life. The bird lays between 1 to 4 eggs and they are coloured white. The bird builds its nest on the ground with figs, straw and leaves. The nest is placed under a bush to protect the young from predators. The bird is mainly found in the Savanna grasslands where it breeds and feeds. Seen in Flocks, Singles or Pairs Normally ...This bird is usually seen in small family groups or in large flocks |
