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Calandrella cinerea

warning Vulnerable
VU (A2b)

Contributed: Avner Rinot, Asaf Mayrose, Yoav Perlman, Lior Kislev, Nadav Israeli, Noam Weiss, Tuvia Kahn, Ezra Hadad

The Greater Short-toed Lark is classified as Vulnerable (VU) because of the continued decrease in its populations, estimated at more than 30% over 10 years. In the previous edition of the Red Book (2002), it was classified as Data Deficient (DD). The change in the status of the species reflects the decline in its population, as well as an improvement in the quality of data and assessment methods.
VU Current Regional Assessment | DD Previous Regional Assessment | LC World Assessment

Presence In Israel Summer Breeder
Nesting In Israel Breeder
Migration Types Long Range
Zoography Zones Mediterranean, Irano-Turanian
Landscape Formations Plains & Valleys, Wide Wadis
Vegetation Formations Cropland, Herbaceous
Vegetation Densities Low
Nest Locations Ground
Diet Types Herbivore
Foraging Grounds Ground
Body Sizes Small (up to 500g)
Threat Factors Plantations, Habitat Desctruction, Habitat Fragmentation, Agricultural Management

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a relatively small, pale lark with delicate streaking, which frequently forms flocks. Its plumage is relatively variable – some individuals are greyish-sandy, while others have a richer rustier hue. It has a relatively thick, but pointed bill and a delicate face pattern. Occasionally a dark patch appears on the sides of the breast. Flight call is hoarse and intermittent, frequently discloses its presence.

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a common passage migrant throughout Israel in spring and autumn. Breeds locally and in low densities in the Golan Heights, Eastern Galilee, on Mt. Gilboa and in the Jordan Valley, as well as in the Northern and Central Negev. The number of breeding pairs and their distribution varies greatly from year to year.

The Greater Short-toed Lark nests in open dry fields, often at the edges of cultivated fields as well as in desert plains with low vegetation.

No specific conservation measures have been taken for this species to date.

The Greater Short-toed Lark is a nomadic species that breeds in “green patches” in the Negev and at the edges of cultivated fields with suitable cultivation regimes. Detailed surveys are necessary for a better understanding of the factors limiting the population and suggesting ways of preserving the species.

  • פז, ע. 1986. עופות. מתוך אלון, ע. (עורך), החי והצומח של ארץ ישראל. כרך 6. הוצאת משרד הביטחון, ישראל.
  • פרלמן, י., אלתרמן, ש. וגרניט, ב. 2011. סקר עופות דוגרים בנחלים הפנימיים, אביב 2011. דו"ח מרכז הצפרות של החברה להגנת הטבע.
Contributed: Avner Rinot, Asaf Mayrose, Yoav Perlman, Lior Kislev, Nadav Israeli, Noam Weiss, Tuvia Kahn, Ezra Hadad

Current Occupancy Map

Distribution maps

The maps presented here provide visual information on the distribution of species in Israel in the past and present, and the changes in occupancy and nesting density during the comparison period. For further reading


Relative Abundance 2010-2020

Breeding density values as calculated from observation records and expert opinions.

Relative Abundance 1980-1990

Breeding density values are based mainly on the book Birds of Israel (Shirihai 1996).

Occupancy difference 1990-2020

A map that expresses differences in the breeding distribution between the evaluation periods (1980-1990 versus 2010-2020). Negative value - species previously present but is currently absent, positive value - species has not been recorded previously and is currently present, zero - no change in occupancy.

Relative abundance difference 1990-2020

A map that reflects the changes in the relative abundance of the species between the evaluation periods (1980-1990 versus 2010-2020). Negative values - decline in abundance, positive values - increase in abundance, zero - no change in abundance.


Rarity
Vulnerability
Attractiveness
Endemism
Red number
Peripherality

IUCN category
Definition

() districts
Disjunctiveness:
% of protected sites

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