So FA UNA AND FLORA OF PALESTINE. 



155. Amiuomancs fratermlus. Tristram. P. Z. S., 1864, p. 434. 

 Lesser Desert Lark. 



The lesser species, which does not consort with its congener, Is to be 

 distinguished by its very short and conical bill, and by its throat, which is 

 isabelline colour instead of white, as well as by its smaller size. It is far 

 more widely spread over the barren and desert districts than A. dcscrti. 

 I have not seen it from any other locality, though it is probably the 

 Arabian form. 



156. Calandrella brachydactyla. Leisl. Wett. Ann. iii., p. 357. 

 Short-toed Lark. 



The Short-toed Lark is a summer visitor to Palestine, re-visiting the 

 central country and the north later in spring, and not occurring in the 

 plains or desert in winter. 



It inhabits all the countries bordering on the Mediterranean, and 

 extends thence to India, but does not extend into Northern Europe 

 or Asia, and seems to be an Inhabitant of the plains, as C. hermoncnsis 

 is of the mountains. 



157. Calandrella hermoncnsis. Tristram. P. Z. S., 1864, p. 434. 

 Mountain Short-toed Lark. 



I regret that I must venture to differ from my friend, Mr. Dresser, and 

 maintain the distinctness of this species, In which opinion I was more than 

 ever confirmed when in the spring of 1S81 I had opportunities, being on 

 the snow-line of Lebanon in April, of observing the Short-toed Lark 

 breeding lower down in the Buka'a, and this species on the highest parts 

 of the mountains. The note and flight differ, especially the former, and 

 this Is a far more powerful and varied songster, pouring forth Its melody, 

 not on the wing, but perched on the top of a rock, a few yards from his 

 nest. Its lareer size, bright rufous coloration, and the distinctness of 

 the black collar, are recognisable at a glance. This species extends over 

 the Persian and Armenian Highlands, and is very probably to be found 

 further west in mountain regions near the Mediterranean, according to the 

 researches of Mr. Dresser. 



