162 SKYLARK. 



This bird is about five inches in length. Its upper 

 parts are of a light brown colour, the neck is longitudi- 

 nally spotted with black. The wings and tail are nearly 

 black, the former edged with white. The throat, vent, 

 sides, and under part of the wings, are tinged with red. 

 The bill is dusky, and the legs are black. 



23. LARK TRIBE. 



There are about thirty-one known species of Larks, 

 of which nine are found in Great Britain. Most of 

 them form their nests on the ground. They feed on in- 

 sects. 



Skylark. The warbling of the Lark, whilst it soars 

 into, and hovers in the air, inspires every hearer with 

 delight. Often does it elevate itself even among the 

 clouds, and its voice is distinctly heard, whilst the bird 

 itself is almost imperceptible to human vision. Its nest is 

 formed on the ground, and rudely constructed, of a few 

 bents and horse-hair, in some hole made by the impression 

 of a horse's hoof, by a cart-wheel, or under the brink of 

 some sheltering turf. The eggs are four or five in number, 

 of a brownish colour, and closely marked with brownish 

 specks. These birds are in great request for the table, 

 and during the winter season immense numbers are caught 

 by means of clap nets. Mr. Pennant informs us, that, in 

 the neighbourhood of D unstable, more than 4,000 dozen 

 have been caught for the supply of the London markets, 

 betwixt the middle of September and the middle of Feb- 

 ruary. It is to be observed, respecting the Skylark, that, 

 from the great length of the hinder claw, it is unable to 

 perch on hedges and trees, in the manner of other small 

 birds. 



