284 BiBDS OF TUNISIA 



brown, the feathers with dark centres, most marked on the crown and 

 mantle, but only faintly indicated on the rump and upper tail-coverts, which 

 have a slight rufescent tinge ; the central pair of rectrices pale sandy-brown, 

 with darker median streaks, the remaining tail-feathers blackish-brown, 

 except the outermost pair, which are almost entirely pure white, and the 

 pair adjoining them, which are bordered with white on their outer webs ; 

 primaries light brown ; underparts mostly pure vehite, the breast spotted 

 with small longitudinal dark markings, and the flanks streaked with brown. 



Iris hazel ; bill pale brown ; feet yellowish. 



Total length 5 inches, wing 3-60, culmen -30, tarsus -75. 



Adult female similar to the male, but rather smaller, the wing measur- 

 ing only 3-30 inches. 



Observations.— As in the case of the Crested Larks, pairs of the present 

 species may often be met with in which the sexes are somewhat differently 

 coloured, one being darker and the other paler, but this difference does not 

 seem to be constant. 



The Lesser Short-toed Lark of North Africa differs from that 

 occurring in South Eussia and the Transcaspian region in its paler 

 and more sandy coloration, and also in its somewhat smaller size. 

 The above eastern form of Lesser Short-toed Lark, which has long 

 been known by the name of C. ])ispoletta (Pall.), cannot, however, 

 as shown by Mr. Hartert (Die Vogel der Palaarktischen Fauna, p. 219), 

 continue to bear that name, and must be called instead C. minor 

 Jieinei (Horn.). 



C. minor is abundant in many parts of Tunisia, being found in 

 flocks during the winter months, and indeed during the greater part 

 of the year, these flocks only breaking up on the approach of spring, 

 and forming agam as soon as the breeding season is over. 



This bird seems to be somewhat more local in its distribution 

 than the preceding species, and is not to be met with quite so often. 

 In certain districts, however, it is of common occurrence and to be 

 found throughout the year. One of its favourite breeding haunts, 

 I am informed, are the shores of the Lake of Tunis, where it is said 

 to be abundant in summer. 



In Algeria, Marocco and Tripoli C. minor occurs more or less 

 abundantly. In South Spain the darker C. m. bcetica (Dresser), 

 discovered by Lord Lilford, is to be found. The plumage of this 

 form is certainly very dark in some individuals, although I may 

 observe that among the examples in the Lilford collection, now in 

 my possession, including the types, there is a good deal of variation 



