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| Singing Bush-lark (Miafra cantillans) in Sarrite, Southern Ethiopa |
According to Ash et al. (2009) there have been only 5 Masked Lark Spizocorys personata records (altogether 18 birds) in Ethiopia in more than 110 years. In Kenya only 3 sites are known. That's worldwide only 9 known locations with four subspecies. The range is said to be 73,300 km², but probably much smaller and fragmented. Nevertheless, the BirdLife model map shows a nearly coherent and widespread distribution, which does probably not exist in this way. There is a need for research, not least because the future outlook for this species seems to be very critical due to climate change.
In southern Ethiopia the subspecies Spizocorys personata yavelloensis has been scientifically described around 70 years ago. Since then apparently no other reliable data exist on the presence of this subspecies near the place of origin. A search in June 2011 provided, however, positive results. An encouraging large number of Masked Larks were found in an area about 80 km west of Yabello. The area is also habitat for Grevy's Zebras and intended to be part of a prospective National Park. The most common lark in the area, however, is the Singing Bush-lark (figure).
