Again, another doubt from Karoo National Park (South Africa, August 2024) (1 Viewer)

[arodris]

Hi again,
I have also doubts regarding this bird seen in South Africa, at the Karoo NP (August 24th, 2024). Can any one help me?
Thanks

 

[THE_FERN]

Perhaps Karoo lark

 

[arodris]

According to iNaturalist, the best match is for Karoo long-billed lark. What is your opinion @THE_FERN ? Or any other opinion?

 

[arodris]

I have amplified the best picture. Maybe it helps.

 

[THE_FERN]

According to iNaturalist, the best match is for Karoo long-billed lark. What is your opinion @THE_FERN ? Or any other opinion?

well perhaps. I find it very difficult to judge from these photos. In favour is that it appears quite long legged, and long tailed from some angles (but short tailed from others). Also the face pattern is not so strong. On the other hand I think I see marked flank streaks in one image and the face pattern is largely obscured by the lighting. The apparently strong rufous disk encompassing the ear favours karoo but doesn't necessarily rule out long-billed. The streaking on the mantle is "fairly" heavy which might also favour karoo, although long-billed can have light to moderate streaks. I honestly can't tell how long the bill is.