

282 BIRDS OP TUNISIA 



much difference between the foniis. The bill, however, of the Tunis 

 birds is generally ratber larger and stouter. 



C. hermonensis, Tristr., is considered by some authorities to be 

 distinct from C. hrachydactyla (Leisl.), on account of its larger size 

 and somewhat different coloration, and also, according to Canon 

 Tristram himself, by reason of its totally different habits, flight and 

 notes. 



As Baron v. Erlanger has recently correctly pointed out (J. f. 0. 

 1899, p. 355) Brehm was the first to recognise the distinctness of the 

 rufous-headed bird from typical C. hrachydactyla (Leisl.) and to give 

 it tbe above name. 



This rufous-crowned form appears to occur chiefly throughout the 

 western portion of the Mediterranean subregion, being found in 

 Spain, Italy and North-west Africa, while typical C. hrachydactyla 

 occurs chiefly in South-east Europe and North-east Africa. In 

 Italy, which may be considered as about the centre of the Medi- 

 terranean subregion, both forms are to be found, although C. h. 

 itala seems to be the rarer of the two, and occasionally stragglers 

 of either form may be met with in countries outside their usual 

 range. From Tunis, for instance, I have an example of typical C. 

 hrachydactyla and a second example from Marocco, but these are 

 exceptions to the rule, the rufous-headed form being undoubtedly the 

 Short-toed Lark of North-west Africa, and occurring abundantly 

 throughout that country as well as in Tripoli. I know of no instance 

 of the two forms being found together in the same flock. 



This little Lark is abundant throughout the greater part of the 

 Tunisian Regency, being most plentiful perhaps in winter and during 

 the periods of migration, when large flocks may be observed ranging 

 oyer the country, on their way either north or south, according to the 

 time of year. During the winter months these Larks keep in small 

 flocks, which only break up on the approach of spring, and even as 

 late as the middle of April small companies of the birds may some- 

 times be seen together. It is, indeed, only for a short time during the 

 year that these Larks are not gregarious, for immediately the breeding 

 season is over, and as early as the beginning of June, they are once 

 more to be found in flocks. 



The Short-toed Lark evinces a partiality for uncultivated sandy 

 wastes, where the vegetation is more or less scanty, and the vast semi- 

 desert plains of Central and Southern Tunisia are eminently suited 



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