NON-INDIGENOUS BRITISH BIRDS. 31 



entire surface, occur. As a rule the surface markings are 

 so numerous that most of the ground colour is concealed, 

 and the underlying markings are inconspicuous. On 

 some eggs the markings are unusually dense round the 

 larger end, forming a cap or a zone. A rarer type 

 displays more ground colour, and the underlying 

 markings are very conspicuous and deep violet-gray. 

 Average measurements, '9 inch in length by '63 inch in 

 breadth. Incubation is performed by the female, but 

 the duration of the period is apparently unknown. 



Diagnostic characters : It is impossible to give 

 any character by which the eggs of the Shore-Lark may 

 be distinguished from those of the Sky-Lark. On an 

 average they are slightly smaller, and perceptibly more 

 olive in general appearance. The Sky-Lark, however, 

 does not frequent the breeding area of the Shore-Lark, 

 and never lines its nest so warmly. 



Family ALAUDID/E. Genus Melanocorypha. 



CALANDRA LARK. 



Melanocorypha calandra (^Liimccus). 



(British : Very rare abnormal autumn migrant.) 



Single Brooded. Laying season, April to June, according to 



locality. 



Breeding area: South and South-west PaLxarctic 

 region. The Calandra Lark breeds in all suitable 

 localities throughout the basin of the Mediterranean, but 

 not north of lat. 46° in the west although slightly beyond 

 in the east. It breeds in Africa north of the Atlas, and 



