222 Birds of Oregon and WasJiington 



and sees a large flock of sparrow-like birds rise 

 with irregular flight, calling " dee-dee, dee-dee," 

 and sometimes returning to the spot from which 

 they were flushed, he may be sure he has found 

 the American Pipit, or Titlark, — also called the 

 Brown or Red Lark. It is with us in abundance 

 in winter time, but goes in summer (like the 

 Evening Grosbeak) to northern parts or to the 

 mountains, above the timber line, to nest upon 

 the ground. The bird is called a Lark because 

 it lives upon the open ground, where it prefers 

 to run rather than to rise and fly ; and when 

 flushed it is only for a moment on the wing, and 

 then not far from its beloved earth. It is so 

 named, also, because when it does take a spon- 

 taneous flight higher than the enforced one, it 

 sings on the wing. It is said to be " expert in 

 catching a small variety of insect or fly which 

 frequents the lowlands." 



But the Titlark belongs to the Wagtail family, 

 because while on the ground he teeters and 

 twitches and wags his tail in a comical fashion 

 characteristic of the family. 



Particular Description. — Head, back, wings and 

 tail, grayish-brown ; tail and wings, more dusky ; a pale 



