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TIT-LARKS 
GENUS CoRYDALLA, resemble larks, more so, young birds, in 
plumage. They can be separated in the following manner : first 
according to our list, has streaked plumage ; hind claw very long, 
a similar peculiarity we shall, later on, find in some groups of larks. 
Second type of these tit-larks, has feathers slightly streaked ; hind 
claw short. 
(599) CoryDALLA Ricuarpt, Large Marsh-Pipit, visits Darjeeling 
about October or after the rains have ceased. This is when on _ its 
migratory journey to the plains. So is, here, always associated in 
large flocks. They alight, to forage for grain in the shape of grass 
seeds or weeds, more generally. These large Marsh Pipits are seen 
to rise singly, one at a time, when disturbed in a casual manner ; 
but a sudden start will raise the greater part of the flock. They are 
strong on the wing, big in size. These Pipits keep wonderful 
discipline. Once raised, the flock flies swiftly, keeping close to- 
gether and perform remarkable evolutions in the air, with order 
and precision. They are much stronger in flight than previously 
mentioned species. It is obvious that these birds look to certain 
leaders among them for orders or word of command like a well 
trained regiment of soldiers. In their evolutions they sweep past a 
erson standing by, with a whirl of their poised wings. A sort of 
march past,” or inspection drill. Then they rise ard perform 
circles, “loop the loop” sort of “trick” and other interesting 
figures in mid air. I have seen them tire out, without much trouble 
a nimble Sparrow-Hawk or Besra. This Marsh Pipit is often brought 
into larger game markets and purchased in Calcutta and elsewhere, 
by epicures, under the name of Ortolan, as they are fat and well- 
flavored, together with species of Pipastes, Titlark, Finch and Social 
larks (761). This Marsh Pipit is readily made out, owing to its 
large size, when in company with birds of the same family. It is 
about 8 inches in length; hind claw about #? inch long; above, 
plumage is dusky brown; edges of the feathers are tinged with 
olive ; supercilium and lower-parts of the body are fulvous white ; 
breast browner in colour, with long dusky spots ; outer tail feathers 
are tipped broadly with dull white. These Marsh Pipits are found 
in large numbers in the cold weather in most parts of the plains, 
more particularly in rice fields of Bengal, where they seem to court 
destruction from the nets and guns of native shikaries. 
(600) CoryDALLA RUFULA, Indian Titlark, is perhaps more 
common than the foregoing, some years, more so than others ; but 
their nests are difficult to find, These birds cften come, into com- 
