Barlow’s Lark was only recently recognized as a full species (see p.12) after a study examined the group of closely related larks to which it belongs.

Close examination of these confiding birds reveals clear contrasts between Barlow’s and Karoo Larks. Barlow’s Lark is relatively easily distinguished by its clear, unstreaked flanks and heavier bill. Upperpart coloration is more compli-cated, as populations of both species on the white coastal sands show cold brown upperparts, which changes in the inland populations, on the redder sands, to a reddish-brown in Karoo Lark, and a sandy-peach colour in Barlow’s Lark. There are also subtle differences in call. Despite the fact that Barlow’s and Karoo Lark are each well-differentiated species, a recent study discovered that they do hybridize over a narrow zone between Port Nolloth and Alexander Bay. The only place where this zone is publicly accessible is in the vicinity of Port Nolloth itself. The best way to distinguish hybrids is by flank streaking: pure Barlow’s Larks show none of this (see picture above), while pure Karoo Larks show marked streaking. Hybrids typically show an intermediate streaking pattern, with faint scattered streaks on the flanks. Barlow’s Larks tend to prefer the more arid, open habitat towards Alexander Bay and into Namibia, while Karoo Larks prefer the denser scrub found further inland, and their range extends southwards into much of Namaqualand.