DESCRIPTION, DISTRIBUTION, HABITS 



is separated from the breast by a black band ; this band extends 

 across to the base of the bill. Under wing coverts orange. 

 Iris brown. Bill darker. Legs lighter brown. 



Lengthy 8.00 ; tail, 3.30 ; wing, 3.H5. 



The female differs from the male in the throat band being 

 narrower, and the orange and yellow colours are not so bright. 



Distribution, — Cape to Rhodesia. 



Habits. — Frequents the ground on the open veld in pairs. 

 Settles in bushes and trees when alarmed. The nest is cup 

 shaped, and is made of grass and root fibres, and is concealed 

 in a hollow under a tuft of grass, or at the side of a stunted 

 shrub. Clutch, 3 to 5 ; eggs cream, profusely spotted with 

 shades of purple and brown ; size, 1.05 by 0.77. 



Red-capped Lark {Tephrocorys cinerea). (Vol. I., 

 p. 221.) 



Description. — Male : the prevailing colour is the usual 

 sombre brown and fawn peculiar to most of the larks. This 

 species can be recognised by the crown of the head being bright 

 chestnut-red. Iris hazel. Bill black, the base brown. Feet 

 dark brown. 



The female resembles the male, but is smaller. 



Length, 6.10 ; tail, 2.35 ; wing, 3.35. 



Distribution. — All over South Africa. 



Habits. — This lark is common on the treeless veld. They 

 associate in companies, except at the breeding time, when they 

 pair off. The nest is cup shaped and made of grass, lined with 

 finer grass and a few feathers, roots, or hairs. The nest is 

 placed in a slight depression under the shelter of a tuft of grass 

 or stunted shrub. Clutch, 2 to 3 ; eggs pale cream, marked all 

 over, chiefly in the middle, with blotches of umber-brown, 

 grey, and purple ; size, 0.78 by 0.62. 



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