Bar-tailed LarkAmmomanes cincturaWhere and when to see them

The bar-tailed lark is a small desert bird whose sandy plumage blends closely with open, stony ground. Its range extends across parts of North Africa and southwestern Asia, with a distinctive island population in Cape Verde. It favors sparse landscapes rather than lush vegetation. The dark band near the end of its otherwise warm-toned tail becomes particularly helpful when a bird flies a short distance ahead.

Size

14–15 cm long

Weight

15–23 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Much of its time is spent walking or running over bare ground, pausing to pick up small food items. Birds may occur in pairs or loose groups, especially where seeds are concentrated. Their unobtrusive movements and desert-colored plumage make stationary individuals easy to overlook. Breeding activity responds to suitable conditions, particularly rainfall and resulting food availability, so island observations should not be forced into a rigid annual breeding calendar. When flushed, it typically flies a short distance before landing and resuming its cryptic posture, often running quickly before settling. Its song, a series of pleasant trills and whistles, is often given from a low perch or in a display flight.

• Cape Verde birds belong to the nominate subspecies, Ammomanes cinctura cinctura.
• The tail pattern can be much easier to see in flight than on the ground.
• Its nest is placed on the ground.
• Rainfall can affect breeding opportunities in its arid habitats.

The generally drier months can offer comfortable access to Cape Verde's open landscapes, though wind may complicate observation. Birds are resident where they occur. Rainfall can change feeding distribution and breeding activity, so travel season should not be confused with nesting season. While resident, peak breeding activity often coincides with periods of increased rainfall, which can vary locally and annually. Therefore, assessing current conditions on arrival can be more informative than relying on fixed seasonal calendars.

Open sandy or gravelly plains, dry stony ground and sparsely vegetated desert margins are typical habitat. In Cape Verde it occupies suitable arid island landscapes, including some near the coast. Dense scrub, urban waterfronts and lush valleys are less appropriate. Though generally a desert bird, the Bar-tailed Lark readily adapts to agricultural areas, particularly those with fallow fields or dry cultivation. Its preference for open, level ground makes it less likely to be found on steep slopes or in rocky outcrops.

Small seeds form much of the diet, supplemented by insects and other tiny invertebrates. Animal food becomes especially valuable when raising young. Feeding takes place on the ground, with birds selecting items from bare patches and between scattered desert plants. Insects like ants, beetles, and small grasshoppers are commonly consumed, especially during the breeding season to meet the high protein demands of chicks. It often probes the surface with its bill to find hidden food items.

Common name

Bar-tailed Lark

Scientific name

Ammomanes cinctura

Animal group

Birds

Size

14–15 cm long

Weight

15–23 g

Lifespan

Not reliably established

Status

Least Concern

Identification

Its small size and sharply defined dark terminal tail band distinguish it from the larger desert lark, which lacks the same crisp tail pattern. The pale underparts and sandy upperparts provide excellent camouflage against its desert habitat. A subtle, pale supercilium is often visible and can help distinguish it from other ground-dwelling larks.