LARK BUNTING. 



605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 1 inches. 



Male, black and white; female, brown and gray. 



This species is often known as the White-winged 

 Blackbird, not because it bears any resemblance to any 

 of the Blackbirds, nor because any of the habits are the 

 same, but simply because of its plumage. They are 

 very gregarious and usually fly in flocks even in nesting 

 time. 



They seem to be very methodical and well trained; 

 if one of a flock takes wing, the entire flock rises 

 simultaneously and in a very compact body they fly 

 until some leader chooses the next stopping place, when 

 they as suddenly alight. They have the habit of Sky- 

 larks in mounting into the air while singing and then 

 descending on set wings. 



Song. A very lively, sweetly modulated warble. 



Nest. On the ground, usually under a tuft of grass 

 or small bush ; four or five eggs of a bluish color ( .85 

 x .65 ), brighter than those of the Dickcissel. 



Range. Western U. S., most abundant from Kansas 

 to Colorado and north to Assiniboia. 



123 



