The Rufous-Naped Lark (Mirafra africana) is a short-tailed bird from Africa.

The Rufous-Naped Lark has rufous (red-brown) wings and back of neck. Its body is brown with contrasting dark streaks. It has a cream-coloured underbelly. It eyes are hazel brown with a creamy-buff eyebrow. Its beak is blackish to pinkish with a straight lower beak, and longish, curved upper beak. Its tail is dark-brown. Its feet are pink to pink-brown.

Rufous-Naped Lark

It grows to 15-18 centimetres (6-7 inches).

The Rufous-Naped Lark is found in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. It prefers lightly wooded grasslands, open savannahs, highlands, and farmlands.

It forages near grass tufts, on bare ground, including farmlands, for insects,spiders, millipedes, earthworms, and sometimes grass seeds.

The Rufous-Naped Lark is territorial and monogamous, having one partner for life. Their nest is cup-shaped and made of dry grass located near the ground in a low shrub. The nest is lined with plant material. Females lay 2-3 white, cream, or pink speckled eggs. The eggs hatch after about 15 days. Both parents feed the chicks. The chicks leave the nest after about 12 days, before they are able to fly.

Rufous-Naped Lark

Rufous-Naped Lark (juvenile)

Rufous-Naped Lark (juvenile)

Rufous-Naped Lark (juvenile)

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM