About Galerida theklae A.E.Brehm, 1857
Thekla's lark (Galerida theklae A.E.Brehm, 1857) is a smallish lark, slightly smaller than the Eurasian skylark. It has a long, spiky, erectile crest. Its colouring is similar to the widespread crested lark (G. cristata), and is predominantly brownish-grey or brown, although its back and rump are greyer than the crested lark. Its breast is streaked with black. Compared to the crested lark, it is smaller, somewhat greyer, and has a shorter bill. In flight, it shows grey underwings, while the crested lark has reddish underwings. It is also greyer than the Eurasian skylark, and lacks the white wing and tail edge that the Eurasian skylark has. Its body is mainly dark-streaked grey on the upper side and whitish on the under side. The sexes are similar in appearance. Thekla's lark is a native resident species found in France, Spain, Portugal, Algeria, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Libya, Morocco, Somalia, Tunisia and Western Sahara. Its typical habitat is rugged areas with scrub, bare patches of ground and semi-arid grassland. It nests on the ground, and lays two to six eggs per clutch. It feeds on weed, seeds and insects, with insects being especially consumed during the breeding season. Its song is melodious and varied, and includes mournful whistles and mimicry. The song is softer and more tuneful than that of the crested lark, and may be sung during flight, from the ground, or from an exposed perch.
