NATURAL HISTORY. 



255 



AXTHUS. (Lat. a Titlark.) 



Pratensis (Lat. of a Meadow), the Meadow Pipit. 



The MEADOW PIPIT, more commonly called the Titlark, 

 resembles the true Larks in the long hind claw and peculiar 

 plumage, but is pointed out as distinct, from the different 

 colour of the bill. Like the skylark, it sings while in the 

 air, but sometimes also pours forth its musical strains while 

 settled upon the ground. It feeds principally on slugs, worms, 

 and insects, which it chases with much activity, after the 

 manner of the wagtails, even vibrating its tail like them. 

 Hilly grounds, commons, and meadows are its chief resort in 

 summer, but during September and October flocks of these 

 birds may be seen congregated in turnip fields, and in the 

 winter they seek the protection of the warm hedge-rows. 



The nest of the Titlark is made on the ground, concealed 

 by a tuft of grass. There are usually five or six eggs, light 

 brown in colour, spotted with a darker tint. The length of 

 the bird is six inches. 



