Mirafra passerina Monotonous Lark Bosveldlewerik
SwebeSwebe Private NR, Feb 2019
Perhaps resident, or else a wide-ranging nomad. Rare, localised and erratic in its occurrence across the Waterberg (in 10% of the Waterberg pentads); frequents any woodland; this cryptically marked lark is essentially undetectable except when males call and display, which happens after good rains - they perch on a tree-top and call endlessly, a simple, far-carrying but unmistakable refrain “purple jeep” that may continue into the night. A month or two later, when breeding is over, there is no further evidence that the birds exist. The displaying males indicate that breeding is taking place but further evidence of this from the Waterberg is lacking.
Perhaps resident, or else a wide-ranging nomad. Rare, localised and erratic in its occurrence across the Waterberg (in 10% of the Waterberg pentads); frequents any woodland; this cryptically marked lark is essentially undetectable except when males call and display, which happens after good rains - they perch on a tree-top and call endlessly, a simple, far-carrying but unmistakable refrain “purple jeep” that may continue into the night. A month or two later, when breeding is over, there is no further evidence that the birds exist. The displaying males indicate that breeding is taking place but further evidence of this from the Waterberg is lacking.
Lephalale, Nov 2016
SwebeSwebe Private NR, Feb 2019