

HORNED, OR SHORE LARK. 



(Alauda c'drnuta, Wilson. Rich, and Swains. North. Zool. ii. p. 

 24.5. A. alpestris, Lath. Bonap. Syn. No. 158. Nutt. Man. 

 Orn. i. p. 455.) 



This handsome Lark arrives in the fur countries along 

 with the Lapland Bunting, with which it associates, and 

 being more shy, acts the sentinel usually to the whole com- 

 pany in advertising them of the approach of danger. It 

 soon after retires to the marshy and woody districts to breed, 

 extending its summer range to the Arctic Sea. According 

 to Hutchins it nests on the ground, and lays 4 or 5 white 

 eggs, spotted with black. Mr. Audubon also found this 

 species breeding on the low, mossy and sheltered hills along 

 the dreary coast of Labrador ; making a nest of withered 

 grass, &c. sunk a little below the surface. The male, he 

 adds, like the Common Lark, soars into the air, sings with 

 cheerfulness over the resort of his mate, and roosts beside 

 her and his nest on the ground, having at this season a very 

 remarkable appearance in the developement of the black 

 and horn-like egrets. The whole group are spiritedly 

 drawn by Audubon in his most happy and animated style. 



