- Heteromirafra ruddi
Identification
Length 14-15 cm, mass 26 g. A small lark that appears large-headed and long-legged with a thin, short tail and upright posture. It has a pale buff stripe down the middle of the crown (diagnostic).
Distribution
A South African endemic with a restricted range. Locally common in the high altitude (>2000m) grasslands of southern Mpumalanga; there are two isolated populations in the Eastern Cape Province.
Taxonomy
The only species of this genus in southern Africa. Two other Heteromirafra species are found elsewhere in Africa.
This species is monotypic.
Habitat
High-altitude (1700-2200 m) hilltops and ridges with short, dense grass cover.
Classified as Vulnerable in the 2007 IUCN Red List due to its restricted range and habitat loss as a result of cultivation and afforestation (BirdLife International, 2007).
Behaviour
Solitary or in pairs; forages for invertebrates and seeds from the bases of grass tufts and leaves. Easily overlooked, except when singing, as it seldom perches above ground level.
Breeding: The nest is a domed structure built of grass on the ground against the base of a grass tuft. Two to four eggs are laid between October and April.
References
BirdLife International. 2007. Species factsheet: Heteromirafra ruddi. Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 21/12/2007
Hockey PAR, Dean WRJ & Ryan PG (eds) 2005. Robert's Birds of Southern Africa, 7th edition. John Voelcker Bird Book Fund, Cape Town, South Africa. ISBN 0620340533
