40 THE BIRDS OF DORSET. 



FAM. ALAUDID.E. 



SHORE LARK. Octocorys alpestris, (L.) 



Yarrell, i. p. 604; Dresser, iv. p. 387 ; Ibis List, p. 73 ; Alauda 

 alpestris, Harting, p. 25 ; Seebohm, ii. p. 284. 



The Shore Lark is an irregular winter visitant, 

 occurring more frequently on the east coast of Eng- 

 land than in the south. Two were shot at Wey- 

 mouth in the winter of 1868, and one at Lodmoor, 

 December 3, 1869. 



SKYLARK. Alauda arvensis, L. 



Tarrell, i. p. 614 ; Harting, p. 24 ; Dresser, iv. p. 307 ; Seebohm, 

 ii. p. 266; Ibis List, p. 71 ; Pulteney's List, p. 7. 



A common resident, congregating after the breed- 

 ing season in considerable flocks, when doubtless 

 many quit the country to pass the winter farther 

 south. 



WOODLARK. Alauda arborea, L. 



Tarrell, i. p. 625 ; Harting, p. 25 ; Dresser, iv. p. 321 ; Seebohm, 

 ii. p. 256; Ibis List, p. 71 ; Pulteney's List, p. 7. 



Kesident in the wooded districts of the county, 

 where it is not uncommon. Yarrell cites Dorset- 

 shire as one of the English counties which it 

 especially frequents. It differs from the Skylark 

 in its smaller size and shorter tail, and, unlike that 

 songster, frequently sings while perching. Mr. 

 Bosworth Smith has found the nest and eggs in the 

 neighbourhood of Bradford Abbas. 



