60 Mr. C. A. Wright's List of the Birds 



appearance of danger it flies off to another and more distant tree, 

 and taking up a similarly elevated position, scans the country 

 round till the danger which had excited its alarm has passed away. 

 It breeds here in May and June, constructing a compact and well- 

 formed nest in the fork of a carob or almond tree. Its affection 

 for, and the courage it displays in the protection of, its young are 

 remarkable. Wary as it is at other times, on these occasions 

 it seems to lose all fear ; uttering piercing cries, it will fly close 

 round the bead of the intruder, and actually make a feint of 

 dashing in his face. In September fresh arrivals take place, 

 but all disappear before winter. In autumn those taken are 

 generally birds of the year. 



77. Alauda arvensis. (Skylark.) 

 Aluet, Maltese. 



Abundant in flocks in October, when great numbers are taken 

 in nets and shot. A few remain the winter, till the beginning 

 of February. It repasses in March and April, but in less num- 

 bers than in autumn. I have not heard it sing here. My col- 

 lection contains a curious cream-coloured variety of this species, 

 with ashy markings on the back and wings. 



78. Alauda cristata. (Crested Lark.) 



Rare ; in March and October a few are sometimes taken. 



79. Alauda arborea. (Wood Lark.) 

 Ciuklaita (Rattle), Maltese. 



Rather less rare than the preceding species, but it cannot be 

 considered common. Appears at the same seasons. I have 

 also seen it exhibited for sale with Skylarks. 



80. Alauda brachydactyla. (Short-toed Lark.) 

 Bilhla, Maltese. 



This is one of the most characteristic birds of Malta in spring, 

 and does duty amongst English residents as the Skylark, with 

 which it has some habits in common. In the breeding-season, 

 from April to June, it is abundantly spread in pairs all over the 

 island, and the song of the male is then constantly heard 

 encouraging its mate in the labours of incubation. Its mode 

 of ascending in the air is different from that of the Skylark, 

 consisting of a succession of jerks, which may be peculiar to the 



