A LAUDING. 417 



This species, which may be at once distinguished from the 

 others by the prevalent ashy hue, has a very thick, stout form ; 

 the bill is very thick, and is often much worn away at the edges ; 

 the 2nd primary is about equal to the 6th ; and the tail is very 

 short. 



The Benojal Bush-lark is found +hrou2[hout all Northern India 

 to the Ncrbudda, extending eastwards into Assam. It is stated 

 also to occur in the N. W. Provinces, and in the Deyra Doon, 

 but I tliink that doubtful. Gray states this to be the same as 

 Javanica of Horsfield, but the description of that bird is very 

 diiFerent, and more like that of another Indian species, M. 

 erythroptera. It is a tolerably familiar bird, feeding in gardens 

 and bushy places, squatting when watched, and then taking a short 

 flight ; and it appears to have the propensity to hide itself more 

 than any of the other Indian species. It frequently perches on 

 bushes. Mr. Philipps, as quoted by Horsfield, says that '* in the 

 morning and evening, it may be observed, perched on a naked 

 bank, and there pouring out its song, which consists of about 

 eight notes, the first six quickly repeated, the last two slowly ; " 

 but, as before stated, I am inclined to doubt if this bird really 

 occurs in the N. W. Provinces, and I imagine that Philipps' re- 

 marks apply to another species. 



Mr. Blyth says that ' in captivity it is a heavy inactive bird, 

 prone to hide itself from observation, and that its song is pleasing, 

 but of no power.' It appears to be more common in long grass 

 than in bushy ground ; and I have only observed it myself in lower 

 Bengal, Dacca, and Sylhet. The nest is described by Tickell as 

 like that of Ammomanes j)h(enicura ; but one which I obtained in 

 Dacca in June, was distinctly domed, or covered in by turning the 

 stems of grass over, and was very artfully concealed. The 

 eggs are dull greenish Avhite, with numerous grey and brown 

 spots. 



755. Mirafra affinis, Jerdon. 



111. Ind. Orn. (under M. erythroptera, PI. 38)— 2nd Suppl. Cat. 

 189— Blyth, Cat. 743— Horsf., Cat. 7 IS— Eeli-jltta, Tel— 

 Leepee in Central India-— CVaVcA^ra, H. 



3 G 



