1 92 1.] Birds of Macedonia. 203 



Some of; the nests situated on the hillsides had very little 

 cover. The young bii-ds enjoyed themselves in the tobacco 

 patches after leaving the nest and ke{)t in broods even when 

 full-grown. The high-pitched voice [i.e. the call-note) was 

 lieard never so commonly as when the snow was deep. In 

 the winter the species estiiblished very intimate relations 

 wiih the troops, and we had regular visitors to our bivouacs 

 and huts for the table-scraps. 



Like AUuida arvensis this bird mounts into the air 

 and sings aloft, but its performance on these occasions 

 ditfers a good deal from that of the better-known bird. 

 The Crested Lark does not soar in a steadfast manner, 

 nor does it remain for a long period poised on quiver- 

 ing wings. It appears to wander into the air rather 

 aindessl}^ and does not attain the altitude usual to the 

 Skylark. It does not remain in the air for any length of 

 time, nor does it mount with any great frequenc3% Jn one 

 point, however, the two species are almost alike, for both 

 birds drop abruptly when nearing the ground — cutting the 

 song sliort. In the hot weather these Larks run about 

 with dragging wings and gaping beaks. The hea})S of mule 

 duno- and associated clouds of insects attract laroe numbers. 

 A word as to the usual tactics employed in battle. First, 

 the two birds face each other and make sundry " feints^' in 

 a manner that is good to see. Both then jump upwards and 

 meet in the air with a slight collision. A short chase 

 follows. Some of the combats last a considerable time and 

 take the principals a long way from the starting-point. The 

 voice is very Lark-like with a specific note easily detected. 

 The syllables used and the tone of the voice are not unlike 

 those of the Skylark, but when compared with this bird the 

 Cresled Lark is very unmusical. There is no ])ei'sistence or 

 quality in the song. When the bitter Vardar winds were 

 blowing across the plain and the piissing skeins of Geese 

 were the onl}^ other signs of bird-life, the Crested Lark could 

 always be seen running along the snowy parapet searching 

 for our table scraps ; at times the little bird would squat right 

 down on its tarsi, and with crest ei'ected to its fullest extent 



p 2 



