SHOEE-LAEK. 173 



at tlie same time in different parts of the county; but 

 although some of these storm-driven sea-birds showed 

 symptoms of privation, the shore-larks, both in flesh 

 and plumage, were in high condition. I was fortunate 

 enough to examine all the Norfolk shore-larks as soon as 

 they were sent up to Norwich for preservation, and 

 found them exhibiting a transition state between winter 

 and summer plumage ; but in those killed in the month 

 of November, the bauds of black and yellow on the 

 throat were very bright, and the horns plainly marked, 

 more especially in the one from Sherringham, which had 

 also a richer vinous tint on the wings ; but in each the 

 band over the crown of the head was but slightly trace- 

 able. Of the two killed at Blakeney on the 11th of 

 January, one was evidently a much older bird than 

 the other, with a perfect black gorget, and bright 

 yellow tints on the throat and neck ; the horns were well 

 developed, and the cheeks black. The forehead, how- 

 ever, was more white than yellow, with a very indis- 

 tinct black band mixed with yellow ou the upper part of 

 the head; the points of the shoulders vinous. The 

 younger specimen had a smaller gorget, each black 

 feather being tipped with yellow; the black on the 

 cheeks also blended in the same mannerr The horns 

 slight, but quite distinguishable ; no perceptible 

 band across the head; forehead yellowish white; and 

 several reddish longitudinal spots on the breast, imme- 

 diately below the gorget. At the time when these 

 last two birds were obtained, the weather was very 

 mild ; but a severe frost had broken up about ten days 

 before. The male shot at Yarmouth in April, 1862, now 

 in my possession, was brought up to Norwich with several 

 sky-larks and wagtails killed at the same time, and most 

 probably formed a remnant of the original flock, once 

 more returning northwards for the breeding season. This 

 specimen, as may be supposed fr'om its appearing so late 



