This lark occurs in open grassland in South Africa. A study comparing it with a close relative describes color differences that are clearest in fresh plumage.
In the comparison, southern African M. cheniana is generally warmer in color than the similar M. albicauda, especially on the crown, nape, back, breast, and flanks. The difference becomes smaller in worn plumage.
In South Africa it occurs in extensive open grasslands that are moderately grazed and have little or no bush cover. The western part of its South African range also includes drier grassland.
An extinction-risk assessment has not been added yet.