CHIONIDID.E. 



391 



(luring- the winter in flocks, consisting of many 

 individuals. These birds frequent the same place 

 for a long time. When flushed, they take a rapid 

 and circular flight, often returning to the spot 

 whence they arose ; but if suddenly alarmed, they 

 lie close to the ground, from which they can scarcely 

 be distinguished. Their food consists of grass, of 

 seeds, of plants, and sometimes of insects. The 

 nest is said to be placed on the borders of lakes, 

 although the bird itself is an inhabitant of the desert. 

 The female lays from four to five eggs. 



The best-known species is — 



D'Orbigny's Shore Lark {Thimcorus Orhignyamis). 

 These birds live in small troops in the valleys between 

 the mountains of Chili, frequenting the most desolate 

 spots, and feeding upon plants, seeds, and insects. They 

 have veiy much the aj^pearance of small Snipes. 



The typical form is — 



Latreille's Shore Lark (Aitcigis Latreillii). 



