Birds of Britain 



lark, but it is a smaller bird and has a short hind toe 

 and is more heavily streaked on the back. Length 6 in. ; 

 wing 3*6 in. 



THE CRESTED LARK 



Alauda cristata, Linnasus 



The Crested Lark is a common species on the Continent, 

 even as close to our shores as the north of France, but very 

 few examples have been known to stray to this country. It 

 is not gregarious like the Common Skylark, and the song is 

 not usually uttered on the wing, but in food and other 

 habits it does not differ much from our well-known species. 



In general colour this species is much duller, and the 

 beak is longer and stouter than the Skylark, but its chief 

 characteristics are the long pointed crest, the large bastard 

 primary, and the absence of white on the tail. Length 

 6 '7 5 in. ; wing 4*1 in. 



THE SHORT-TOED LARK 



Alauda brachydactyla, Leisler 



This bird is a resident, or partial migrant, throughout the 

 whole of Southern Europe, but it has been known to occur 

 in Northern Germany, Belgium, and the north of France. 

 In Great Britain about half-a-dozen examples have been 

 taken at various times in the south and east. 



Very similar in appearance to other Larks, but, as its 



170 



