Large-billed Lark

The large-billed lark or southern thick-billed lark (Galerida magnirostris) is a small passerine bird found in southern Africa. The name "large-billed lark" may also refer to Bradfield's lark. The name "thick-billed lark" more commonly refers to the species of the same name (i.e. Rhamphocoris clotbey). == 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 (Stephens, 1826): Found in south-western South Africa G. m. sedentaria Clancey, 1993: Found in south-western Namibia and western South Africa Orange Free State large-billed lark, G. m. harei (Roberts, 1924): Found in central South Africa, Lesotho == Description == 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…