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Why do longclaws resemble meadowlarks?

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Cape longclaw (Macronyx capensis) standing on dry grass, showing its bright orange throat and yellow underparts with brown-streaked upperparts. — Longclaw Cape longclaw, or orange-throated longclaw (*Macronyx capensis*).

Longclaws resemble meadowlarks due to a phenomenon called convergence. This occurs when unrelated species develop similar adaptations because they occupy similar ecological roles.1

Both longclaws and meadowlarks share several physical characteristics:
* They are similar in size and shape.1
* Both have streaked brown backs.12
* They possess bright yellow underparts.12
* A black V is present on their necks.12
* Both have white tail feathers.12

While longclaws are African birds related to pipits, meadowlarks are New World birds belonging to the family Icteridae.12