Birds of the Indian Hills 



THE ALAUDID^E OR LARK FAMILY 



The Indian skylark (Alauda gulgula) is 

 common on the Nilgiris. Wherever there is a 

 grassy plain this species is found. Like the 

 English skylark, it rises to a great height in the 

 air, and there pours forth its fine song. 



To the ordinary observer the Indian skylark 

 is indistinguishable from its European con- 

 gener. 



The other common lark of the Nilgiris is 

 the Malabar crested lark (Galerita cristata). 

 This is in shape and colouring very like the 

 Indian skylark, but is easily distinguished by 

 the pointed crest that projects upwards and 

 backwards from the hind part of the head. 

 The crested lark has a pretty song, which is 

 often poured forth when the bird is in the air. 

 This species does not soar so high as the sky- 

 lark. Like the latter, it frequents open spaces. 



THE NECTARINID^E OR SUNBIRD FAMILY 



A bird of the plains which is to be seen in 

 every Nilgiri garden is the beautiful little 

 purple sunbird (Arachnecthra asiatica). He 

 flits about in the sunbeams, passing from flower 

 to flower, extracting with his long tubular 



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