DESCRIPTIONS OF OUR NATIVE BIRDS. 21 



GROUND LARK, or PIPIT. 

 (Anthus australis.) 



Size. — The pipit is slightly plumper and longer than a sparrow. 



Plumage. — The general appearance is light mottled brown. The head and back 

 and wings are light brown flecked with darker markings, running from 

 the head backwards. The striped effect is caused by a dark-brown central 

 line running the length of each feather. The two outer tail feathers 

 are partly dull white. The throat is dull white, the breast and under 



Habitat. — Grass land, fields, and open country. 



Characteristic Movements. — The pipit is a fast runner, and flies with a rather 

 heavy undulating movement. 



Food. — This harmless little bird feeds chiefly upon seeds and insects. 



Nest. — The nest, which usually occupies a small depression m the ground, such 

 as a hoof print, is composed of dry grass. 



Eggs. — A clutch usually consists of three greyish-white eggs flecked with grev and 

 brown. The pipit rears as many as three broods in a season. They 

 may be found nesting from September until January. 



