ALAUDID;E. 



315 



Fig. 87. Alauda arvensis. 



Family ALAUDID.E. 



The intrinsic muscles of the syrinx fixed to the ends of the 

 bronchial semi-rings ; the edges of both mandibles perfectly smooth, 

 except for the presence of a notch in the upper mandible : the 

 hinder part of the tarsus transversely scutellated ; the front part 

 of the tarsus also scutellated ; wing of nine or ten primaries ; tail 

 of twelve feathers ; one moult a year, in the autumn ; plumage of 

 the nestling spotted ; sexes usually alike ; rictal bristles well- 

 developed ; head usually crested ; hind claw usually long. 



The Alaudidce or Larks form a group of birds which bear a close 

 general resemblance to the Pipits, but which differ from them, as 

 well as from all other Indian Passeres, in having the hinder part of 

 the tarsus transversely scutellated. 



