This endemic is undoubtedly the most frequently missed special in Bushmanland, and its elusiveness is attributable to its nomadic tendencies and low population density. The best places to search for it, and the recommended strategies, are given on p.90. In the non-breeding season, large nomadic groups may be seen in almost any open area. While today it is very much associated with arid areas from the Namib to the Karoo, the bird wanders widely, and small numbers move in winter into the higher-rainfall wheatlands of the southwestern Cape, and into the grasslands of eastern South Africa. It was once even described as regular in western KwaZulu-Natal, although it no longer occurs there.

Red Lark

This little-known bird, whose nest was only discovered as recently as 1986, is the only species whose global range is totally restricted to Bushmanland. It is, however, reasonably common in its localized sandy habitat. Red Lark occurs in a number of colour forms, though recent research has shown that these are not sufficiently different from each other to warrant individual species status. Generally speaking, the rich reddish-backed ‘dunes form’ occurs on the red dunes in the northwest of the region near Aggenys (see p.95), while the browner-backed ‘plains form’ is found in the east of the region (around Brandvlei for instance; see p.89). The males engage in conspicuous aerial displays, during which they call frequently.

Sclater’s Lark

Largely restricted to this region, Sclater’s Lark is one of the enigmatic specials of Bushmanland. Suggestions on finding this inconspicuous bird, and its habitat preferences, are offered on p.91. It is unique among local larks in that it lays only one egg, a phenomenon shared by several other unrelated species (such as Double-banded Courser and Karoo Korhaan) that co-habit its harsh habitat. Parent birds undergo huge thermal stress while sitting on the nest, which is situated on exposed rocky plains. Once the egg has hatched, small stones are placed in the nest to break up the chick’s shape and add to the camouflage. Although still locally somewhat nomadic, artificial stock-watering points on farms must have benefited this species as, conveniently for birders, it needs to drink regularly.

Black-eared Finchlark

This is a characteristically nomadic species that moves around in large numbers in response to rain and often irrupts into areas where the grass is seeding. Care needs to be taken in identifying the females, which may resemble other larks and finchlarks. Breeding must occur rapidly due to limited favourable conditions, and males hover butterfly-like during their characteristic display flights. The nest cup, lined with grass and distinctively surrounded by an earth and spider-web mix, is usually built at the base of a small shrub. Curiously for a lark, this species sometimes nests in loose colonies.