Larks (Alaudidae) - HBW 9

Benguela Long-billed Lark (Certhilauda benguelensis)

French: Alouette de Benguela German: Benguela-Langschnabellerche Spanish: Alondra de Benguela

Taxonomy: Alaemon benguelensis Sharpe, 1904, Benguela, Angola.
All members of genus with exception of C. chuana formerly treated as a single species, but recent research indicates that they are genetically, morphologically and vocally distinct. Present species very similar in morphology and vocalizations to N population of C. subcoronata, but genetically highly distinct; treated as a separate species, pending further study. Position of taxon damarensis somewhat unclear; possibly belongs with present species, but analysis of plumage and morphology suggests better placed with C. subcoronata; limited genetic sampling in Namibia o.. View all taxonomy...

Taxonomy: Alaemon benguelensis Sharpe,1904. Benguela, Angola.
All members of genus with exception of C. chuana formerly treated as a single species, but recent research indicates that they are genetically, morphologically and vocally distinct. Present species very similar in morphology and vocalizations to N population of C. subcoronata, but genetically highly distinct; treated as a separate species, pending further study. Position of taxon damarensis somewhat unclear; possibly belongs with present species, but analysis of plumage and morphology suggests better placed with C. subcoronata; limited genetic sampling in Namibia of damarensis and race kaokoensis of present species resulted in uncertainty regarding the taxonomic boundary between them. Two subspecies recognized.

Subspecies and Distribution:

  • benguelensis (Sharpe, 1904) - SW Angola and extreme NW Namibia.
  • kaokoensis Bradfield, 1944 - NW Namibia S to about Brandberg.

  • Least Concern
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