278 BRITISH BIRDS. 
obscure on the rump, and rather narrow on the head; the light patches on 
the two outside tail-feathers are similar to those of the Sky-Lark, but the 
colour is pale sandy brown instead of white. The underparts are pale 
buffish white, the streaks being confined to a few large ones on the sides 
of the breast, which is suffused with buffish brown. Bill dark brown, 
paler below; legs, feet, and claws yellowish brown ; irides hazel. The 
female does not differ from the male in colour. After the autumn 
moult the plumage is slightly more sandy. Birds of the year have a few 
obscure streaks on the breast. Young in first plumage are somewhat 
similar to the young of the Sky-Lark. The Short-toed Lark may be dis- 
tinguished from the other British species by its small size, short hind 
claw, and almost entire absence of spots on the underparts. 
