Madagascar Lark
Mirafra hova
Silhouette: Gossipguy and T. Michael Keesey · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassAves (Birds)
- OrderPasseriformes (Perching Birds)
- FamilyAlaudidae (Larks)
- GenusMirafra
- SpeciesMirafra hova (Madagascar Lark)
About the Madagascar Lark
The Madagascar lark (Eremopterix hova) is a species of lark in the family Alaudidae endemic to Madagascar. The Madagascar lark was described by the German ornithologist Gustav Hartlaub in 1860, who placed it within the genus Mirafra. The specific name, hova, refers to the Hova, a caste in the precolonial Kingdom of Madagascar. It remained in the genus Mirafra until a 2013 study of the genetics of the family lead by Per Alström unexpectedly placed it with the genus Eremopterix, where it was moved to in 2014. The relationships of the Madagascar lark within this genus are not yet fully understood. Alternative names for the Madagascar lark include Hova lark, Madagascan bush lark, Madagascar singing bushlark, and Madagascar sparrow lark.
The Madagascar lark is very similar to many of the other Mirafra larks to which it was formerly thought to be related. It is a small lark, 13 cm long, with greyish-brown upperparts streaked with darker brown, and whitish below with blackish streaks or spots on the upper breast; the wings are dark brown with paler fringes on the primary and secondary feathers often visible as a pale panel on the closed wing... Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of Madagascar Lark in Ankarafantsika National Park
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Ankarafantsika National Park
Crested Drongo
Dicrurus forficatus
Madagascar Paradise-Flycatcher
Terpsiphone mutata
Madagascar Bulbul
Hypsipetes madagascariensis
Souimanga Sunbird
Cinnyris sovimanga
Madagascar Magpie-Robin
Copsychus albospecularis
Common Newtonia
Newtonia brunneicauda
Long-billed Bernieria
Bernieria madagascariensis
Rufous Vanga
Schetba rufa
Common Jery
Neomixis tenella
Sickle-billed Vanga
Falculea palliata
Schlegel's Asity
Philepitta schlegeli
Van Dam's Vanga
Xenopirostris damii
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Berenty Reserve | 🇲🇬 Madagascar | |
| 2 | Ankarafantsika National Park | 🇲🇬 Madagascar | |
| 3 | Ranomafana National Park | 🇲🇬 Madagascar |
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a Madagascar Lark in Ankarafantsika National Park?
Under 5% of wildlife watchers report a Madagascar Lark sighting in Ankarafantsika National Park, based on 15 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see Madagascar Lark in Ankarafantsika National Park?
June has the highest sighting rate for Madagascar Lark in Ankarafantsika National Park in our monthly data.