Eremopterix verticalis
The Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark occurs from Angola and Zambia to South Africa. In our country they’re mostly found in the drier western reaches (Eastern, Western and Northern Cape, Free State and North West Province) but being highly nomadic, following the rains and resultant grass growth, often appears in other parts of the country as well. They prefer arid open, even bare, plains with scattered vegetation and are frequently seen in recently burnt places and fallow fields. Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks feed mainly on seeds and occasionally small invertebrates, like termites and locust nymphs.
Grey-backed Sparrow-Larks are social birds – they may be encountered in flocks numbering several thousand, though usually much smaller – but form monogamous pairs when breeding. There appears to be no set breeding season in this species and it seems they’re rather opportunistic breeders during periods of good grass growth following good rains. Using dry plant material the female builds a cup-shaped nest on the ground, usually at the base of a shady shrub. Both parents incubate the clutch of 1-5 eggs – which hatch within 11 days – and bring food to the chicks at the nest. The chicks leave the nest at around 10 days of age, although it takes about double that before they can fly. Fully grown they weigh around 17g and measure about 13cm in length.
The IUCN considers the Grey-backed Sparrow-Lark to be of least concern.
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