The past and present distributions of Rudd's lark are reviewed, and recent claims concerning range reduction examined. The species occurs within a geographically and altitudinally restricted range and conforms closely to the boundaries of a restricted group of grassland vegetation types. Its presence within these is determined by local vegetation floristics and structure, and sites with moderately or heavily grazed grassland without forb invasion are preferred. Changing land-use practices have probably adversely influenced the distribution of Rudd's lark in parts of the Transvaal, but populations were discovered in Natal and rediscovered in East Griqualand, an area where the species was thought to be extinct. Distribution in the Orange Free State is reassessed, and the western limits of the species' range are redefined.