34 THE SMALLER BRITISII BIRDS. 



were scolding or complaining. They may be found in moist low-lying 

 pastures^ as well as dry elevated downs, on the sea shore, and far 

 inland, not so much in woods as open spaces, nor in cultivated grounds 

 as on downs and heaths, and amid the wilder scenery of nature. Each 

 species, however, has its peculiar haunts, where a good number of them 

 may generally be found, for they are social birds among themselves, 

 although they do mix much with other kinds. They have a rapid, yet 

 wavering, up-and-down sort of flight, which is not generally sustained 

 to any great distance. Like the Sky Lark, they nestle among the 

 grass, and make a large, neat, and well-constructed nest. Their food 

 is chiefly insectivorous, but they take also seeds of almost any kind 

 they can get. 



There are five species known in Britain, of which we shall now give 

 an account. 



