Taxonomy and systematics
The large-billed lark was originally placed in the genus ''Alauda'', and then ''Calendula'' until that genus was subsequently re-named to the present ''Galerida''. Another alternate name used for the large-billed lark is the long-billed lark.Subspecies
Three subspecies are recognized: * ''G. m. magnirostris'' (James Francis Stephens, Stephens, 1826): Found in south-western South Africa * ''G. m. sedentaria'' Phillip Clancey, Clancey, 1993: Found in south-western Namibia and western South Africa * Orange Free State large-billed lark, ''G. m. harei'' (Austin Roberts (zoologist), Roberts, 1924): Found in central South Africa, LesothoDescription
The large-billed lark is 18 cm in length. It is relatively short-tailed and has a thick bill with a yellow base to the lower mandible. It has streaked brown-grey upperparts, and a long white supercilium. Like other species in the genus, it has a crest that can be raised in display or alarm. The underparts are cream-coloured with heavy dark streaking on the breast. The heavy bi-coloured bill distinguishes this species from all other African larks. The call of this very vocal species is a soft creaking "''treeeeleeeeleee''".Distribution and habitat
The large-billed lark is a resident breeder in southern South Africa, Lesotho and southernmost Namibia. Its natural habitat is fynbos, karoo scrub and mountain grassland. The large-billed lark is also found in cultivated and fallow agricultural land.Behaviour and ecology
Like other larks, the large-billed lark nests on the ground. Its food is seeds and insects, the latter especially in the breeding season.References
*Sinclair, Hockey and Tarboton, ''SASOL Birds of Southern Africa'',External links