Three shades of brown: Lark-like Buntings <i>Emberiza impetuani</i> with colour aberrations

Abstract

Huge numbers of Lark-like Buntings have been ringed in the Namibian semi-arid plains: in 15 years almost 12 000 birds, both juveniles and adults. Almost all of them were healthy and in good condition. Only a very small percentage showed injuries, parasites like mites or feather flies, abnormalities on the beak and the feet (like distortions, growths, missing toes or even one leg, missing or spiraling claws), and just a handful of individuals had a single white feather on head, alula or mantle.