418 ALAUDID.E. 



and is seldom found on those open exposed tracts of country 

 where the Sky Lark is most abundant. In some of its habits, 

 also, the Wood Lark differs from its generic companion, par- 

 ticularly in that of singing while perched on the branch of a 

 tree, Avhich the other does not. Its voice has neither the 

 variety nor the power of that of the Sky Lark ; but is 

 superior to it in quality of tone, and by many persons pre- 

 ferred on that account. There is also a plaintive character 

 in its song, which is second only to that of the Nightingale, 

 and, like that bird, it is said also to sing during \varm sum- 

 mer nights. Several writers have heard this Lark sing sweet- 

 ly even in the months of December and January ; and as 

 the season advances, being an early breeder, it is heard to 

 advantage in March and April while wheeling in circles, and 

 sometimes hovering 



" High in air, and poised upon its wings, 

 Unseen the soft, enamour'd Wood Lark sings." 



The nest is built upon the ground, under shelter of a low 

 bush, or a tuft of grass ; it is usually formed externally of 

 coarse grass with some moss, lined Avith finer bents and a few 

 hairs. The eggs are four or five in number, nine lines and a 

 half in length by seven lines in breadth, of a pale reddish 

 white ground, spotted and speckled with dull reddish brown ; 

 and as the eggs have been found as early as March, and as 

 late as July, it is probable these birds produce two broods in 

 the season ; but as the young of the Wood Lark are in great 

 request to bring up as cage-birds, the late attempts of this 

 species to obtain a brood may sometimes be the consequence 

 of previous disappointment. The family of the year, with 

 the parent birds, keep together through their first winter, and 

 are seldom seen in larger flocks. They feed on grain, seeds, 

 insects, and worms. 



Though not very numerous in any locality that I am ac- 

 quainted with, the Wood Lark inhabits Sussex, Hampshire, 



