Cape long-billed lark
# Cape long-billed lark

The Cape long-billed lark (Certhilauda curvirostris), also known as the Cape lark, Cape longbill or long-billed lark is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae. It is found in south-western Africa. Its natural habitats are semi-arid Karoo shrub and subtropical dry shrubland and subtropical or dry lowland and highveld grassland. This lark is also found in croplands, farmlands and coastal fynbos.

## Taxonomy and systematics

The Cape long-billed lark was originally placed in the genus Alauda (as A. curvirostris).

### Subspecies

Two subspecies are recognized:

* C. c. falcirostris - Reichenow, 1916: Originally described as a separate species. Found in south-western Namibia to western South Africa
* C. c. curvirostris - (Hermann, 1783): Found in south-western South Africa

Additionally, some authorities consider several other species to be either presently or formerly as subspecies of the Cape long-billed lark:

* Karoo long-billed lark (as C. c. damarensis, C. c. bradshawi, C. c. subcoronata and C. c. gilli).
* Benguela long-billed lark (as C. c. benguelensis)
* Eastern long-billed lark (as C. c. semitorquata).
* Agulhas long-billed lark (as C. c. brevirostris).
