Forgotten Fields

In the morning, as one walks along the country lanes, now and then on the fences, Cape Clapper Lark males (Mirafra apiata apiata) make an entertaining display. Flapping their wings, they fly straight up into the air from the posts—which produces a fast “pup-pup-pup-pup” clapping sound (about 25 to 28 claps per second) that increases in speed—uttering a mid-air “Phwoooeeeeeet!” before descending. This is done to attract a mate, and one cannot help but stop and take pleasure in it; indeed, one is oneself tempted to clap for sheer enjoyment!

Audio Copyright Lynette Rudman. Sonogram Copyright Xeno-canto Foundation.