GALERIDA THEKIj^ MAJOB 263 



material confirms me in my decision not to separate these Marocco 

 birds from typical G. theklce, for I have obtained specimens from 

 Seville and Gibraltar which are quite as dark as those from Marocco. 

 Baron v. Erlanger has referred this Marocco Lark to G. t. miraviara 

 (Horn.), and Mr. Hartert, seeing that the name of miramarm is hut 

 a synonym of theklm, has rechristened it G. t. erlangeri (Die Vogel 

 der Palaarktischen Fauna, p. 237). 



From the Balearic Islands I have two specimens of a short-billed 

 Crested Lark which, while evidently belonging to the Theklce group, 

 differ from typical G. theklce and other forms of it, in being somewhat 

 smaller in size. Should this difference prove to be constant in a 

 fair series, these Balearic Larks may have to be distinguished sub- 

 specifically. 



In Tripoli the present form of small-billed Crested Lark does not 

 seem to occur, but this is not to be wondered at, considering the 

 more or less desert character of that country. 



G. t. major is abundant in locahties where the environment is 

 suited to the requirements of the bird, and being by no means shy 

 or suspicious, it may easily be approached and observed at close 

 quarters. 



In the immediate vicinity of the town of Tunis itself this Lark 

 is not at all uncommon, and it may frequently be seen in the fields 

 adjoining the high-roads near that city. At times it may even be 

 seen in farmyards and open spaces near wayside inns, in company 

 with Sparrows, feeding on scattered corn or horse-droppings. In 

 the open country the bird affects hill-slopes and broken ground as well 

 as more cultivated land. Unlike our European Crested Lark, which 

 is almost exclusively a ground-bird, the present form is fond of 

 perching, and it is quite a common sight to see one of these birds 

 on a bush, apparently perfectly at home there, and often singing at 

 the time. Its notes, though bearing some resemblance to those 

 of the common Crested Lark, are sweeter and altogether more 

 pleasing. 



The flight of this Lark, Hke that of others ot the genus, is heavy, 

 and rarely prolonged for any distance. Seeds, grain and insects form 

 its principal food. 



Pairing commences early in March, and by the beginning of April 

 nests with eggs may be found. The nest is generally placed under a 

 tuft of grass or clod of earth in the middle of a field, or other open 



