THE WOOD-LARK 179 



only. In the south of Europe, in Asia Minor, the 

 Caucasus and North-west Persia it is principally 

 known as a winter migrant, but some ascend the 

 mountains in these countries during summer. 

 South of the Mediterranean, although perhaps best 

 known during winter, it certainly breeds in Algeria 

 and other parts of North-west Africa. 



If the observer with but a slight knowledge 

 of birds bears in mind certain very perceptible 

 characteristics of the Wood- Lark he will not readily 

 confuse it with any other species. These are its 

 much shorter tail, giving the bird a very "dumpy" 

 look, especially when flying, its partiality for well- 

 wooded districts, and its constant habit of perching 

 in trees. The favourite haunts of the Wood- Lark, 

 however, are not woods — ^so far the bird's name is a 

 misleading one, and "Tree- Lark" would be far 

 more expressive. The bird loves to frequent open 

 localities over which plenty of trees are scattered, 

 and where the soil is of a dry sandy character. 

 It is thus specially partial to heaths and commons, 

 to fields adjoining woods, or with tall trees in the 

 hedges, and to well-timbered parks. Like the 

 Sky-Lark the present species is more or less 

 gregarious or sociable during the autumn and 

 winter, though never gathering into such vast 

 assemblies, and often mixing with flocks of its 

 commoner congener. During this part of the year 

 the Wood- Lark is not seen to frequent trees very 

 much ; like the Tree Pipit its arboreal habits are 



