BIRDS OF THE COMMONS 73 



leathers tipped with buff ; yellower below, and more 

 spotted. 



Language. Song resembles the Skylark somewhat, but 

 sweeter and more flute-like in tone and not so powerful. 

 Call-note, " lu-lu." 



Habits. It sings whilst soaring, but does not usually 

 soar so high as the Skylark. It ascends in a series of 

 circles. It also sings from a tree-top, especially a dead 

 branch near top. Although fond of perching, it obtains 

 most of its food and builds its nest on the ground. 



Food. Like the Skylark. . 



Nest. March onwards. Two broods. 



Site. In slight depression in the ground, under a 

 bush, or, sheltered by growing herbage, in tussock of 

 grass. 



Materials. Dry grass, bents, and moss, lined with 

 finer grass and a little hair. 



Eggs. Four to five. Greenish or buffish white, 

 spotted and freckled with reddish brown and brownish 

 lilac, and purplish grey under-markings. Always more 

 ruddy than Skylark's. 



RED GROUSE (Lagopus scoticus). 



The only species exclusively British. Abundant in 

 Scotland ; found also in the northern counties of England 

 and in Wales. Rarer in Ireland. Essentially a moor- 

 land bird. 



Plumage. Variable. Head and neck reddish brown ; 

 above eye a naked patch of vermilion ; upper parts 

 chestnut-brown barred with black. Breast nearly black, 

 with white tips. Bill dark horn-colour. Feet and toes 

 covered with grey hair-like feathers. In winter the 

 under parts more or less mottled with white. Length 

 16 in. Female smaller, and lighter in colour. Young 

 moult completely their first autumn, and assume adult 

 plumage, but they are usually whiter below than the 



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