160 BIBDS OF TUNISIA 



adjoining the southern slopes of the Atlas, and later on I have met 

 with the species further north. 



Unlike most other members of the family this Pipit evinces a 

 preference for dry sandy country, where vegetation is scanty or 

 almost entirely wanting, and on the stony plains and barren wastes 

 of Southern and Central Tunisia no doubt finds an ideal home. 

 Essentially a ground bird, it is not often to be met with in hilly or 

 wooded country, but keeps to the open and level plains, where it can 

 move and run about with greater freedom. 



When running it might be mistaken for a Lark, but its flight is 

 very different to that of any member of the Alaudida, being much 

 stronger and wilder. The diet of this Pipit consists chiefly, if not 

 entirely, of insects and small coleoptera. Its notes, which are some- 

 times uttered by the bird when on the wing, are poor, and are hardly 

 worthy of being called a song. The birds are, however, capable of 

 being lured by an artificial call, and the local "gunners" in Sicily 

 often entice them within shot by such means. At times, when thus 

 called, they will drop down like a stone from a considerable height. 



Apparently the species breeds twice, if not three times, during the 

 season, nests being found throughout April, May and June. The 

 nest is placed on the ground in a cavity or depression, sheltered by a 

 tuft of grass, or merely by a stone, and is composed of dry grasses and 

 plant stems, lined with wool or hair. The eggs, usually five in 

 number, vary considerably both in colour and marking, as well as in 

 shape and size. Some in my collection have a greyish-white ground- 

 colour, spotted all over with grey shell-marks and light brown surface 

 spots, while others are purplish-brown, with darker brown markings. 

 As a rule they are rather round and their average measurements are 

 20 X 17 mm. 



