Eremopterix australis

The black-eared or what I like to call the “abominable sparrow-lark” is the only endemic sparrow-lark to southern Africa and is also the most sought after as well as the most difficult to find. It is a nomadic species and prefers sparse Karoo shrubland and grassland, especially on red sand or stony soils.

I first recorded this species in May 2013 at Augraabies National Park. The roads surrounding the Karoo town of Prince Albert are also good locations for this endemic bird.