194 BIRDS OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE. 



and the tail ashen grey; the bill is black. The total length 

 is about IG inches, 10 of which belong to the tail. It is 

 found all over India ; feeds on fruit, insects, young birds, 

 and eggs, bats, and other small animals. 



It makes a large nest of sticks in lofty trees, and lays 

 from three to five eggs of a greenish fawn colour. 



Like the last species it bears confinement very well, and 

 becomes very tame and tricky. 



THE LARKS. 



These birds are represented in India by several species 

 bearing more or less resemblance to our own well-known 

 skylark, and from among them the following selection has 

 been made : — 



Family — Alaicdidic. 



Genus — L Alauda. A. gulgnla. Indian Skylark. 



A. cristata. Crested Lark. 



2. Mirafra. M. affinis. Madras Bush Lark. 



Indian Skylark. — This bird bears considerable resem- 

 blance, both in habits and appearance, to its English con- 

 gener ; it is dark brown above, with a reddish margin to 

 each feather, the forehead, chin, and throat being darker 

 than the other parts. The under parts are white, with a 

 tinge of red, and grey spots ; there is a narrow pale eye- 

 streak, and a moderately long erectile crest. The total 

 length is 6.V inches, of which 2] belong to the tail. 



Though generally like the English skylark, the species 

 under consideration is ruddier, and those that are found in 

 the hills are brighter in colour than others that frequent 

 the plains. 



