AMERICAN LARKS. 87 



their nest, generally in a tussock of grass, and 

 during this season, the males will mount to the 

 tops of the trees, or bushes near, and serenade 

 their mates below, with their fine, long, clear, 

 and mellow notes. 



FOOD. They are hardy birds, and will live 

 in a cage on almost any kinds of seeds. They 

 may be kept well on one-third hemp, and two- 

 thirds Canary seed ; a bit of beef occasionally, 

 plenty of gravel, and water to wash. 



CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SEXES. These birds 

 are larger than our Robin. The male has the 

 upper parts of a speckled reddish gray, all the 

 lower parts a rich, bright yellow, a streak of 

 black on each side of the head, and the breast 

 ornamented with an oblong crescent of the same 

 color. In the female the black is grayish, and 

 the yellow is of a duller, duimish hue. 



LOCATION. - - Found throughout the United 

 States - - Migratory. Numbers winter in the 

 Southern States. 







U, 



