Ornithology of Northern Africa. 435 



portion is scooped out of the upper mandible, leaving a crescent- 

 shaped aperture, through which a straw may be passed, and then 

 at an acute angle fitting closely down on the lower mandible, 

 which, though notched, is perfectly straight along its whole 

 centre line. 



Total length 6^ to 6| inches. Wing from carpal joint 5 inches. 

 Tarsi "9 inch. 



80. Melanocorypha calandra ; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 242. 

 (Calandra Lark.) 



Though swarming on the coasts, and by far the most common 

 Lark in the Tell, the Calandra soon becomes scarce in the inte- 

 rior, and can only doubtfully claim a place in the Sahara list. 

 The two specimens I obtained on its edge are decidedly larger 

 than those of the plains on the other side the Atlas, measuring 

 8 inches in length, with beaks more robust and longer than in 

 other specimens, "8 inch from the gape instead of "6 inch, but do 

 not exhibit any further specific distinction. 



The Calandra is in high esteem by French epicures, and 

 ranks among the best ' gibier' of the Algerian chasseur. 



81. Galerida CRisTATA. (Crcstcd Lark.) " Goubah," Avah. 

 In the north of the Sahara. Fui'ther south its place is sup- 

 plied by its congeners. 



82. Galerida abyssinica; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245. (Abys- 

 sinian Crested Lark.) 



The commonest Lark of the Desert, though scarcer in the 

 southern districts. It differs only in colour from the G. cristata, 

 being of a rufous isabel hue on the upper parts, with darker 

 lines down the centre of each feather. Its eggs resemble pale 

 varieties of its congener. 



83. Galerida isabellina; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245, (Isabel- 

 line Crested Lark.) 



This very distinct variety is far less abundant than the last, 

 being confined to the most desolate districts. It is much 

 smaller, shorter by at least an inch, with its hues more uniformly 

 pallid, and the darker mark down the centre of each feather 

 almost obliterated. Its bill is of similar pi'oportions, in no way 

 differing from that of G. cristata. I do not find the remark of 



