316 ALAUDID^E. 



The Larks have only one moult a year, but many undergo a 

 seasonal change of plumage through casting off the margins of the 

 feathers in spring. The variations of colour produced by this, 

 combined with the plain coloration of many of the species, render 

 the study of the Larks rather difficult. Specimens of Larks killed 

 at the same time of the year should therefore be compared with 

 each other. Some of the Larks are subject to much variation in 

 size as well as in colour. 



Fig. 88. Foot of Alcemon desertorum, to show scutellations on 

 hinder part of tarsus. 



The Larks for the most part frequent open plains and cultivated 

 land, but some are found only in arid deserts, and others again 

 affect the borders of woods. They generally sing whilst soaring in 

 the air, and their song is always agreeable and in many cases fine. 

 Many are migratory, others are resident or very locally migratory. 

 They are generally sociable and occasionally gregarious. The} r 

 all breed on the ground, constructing a slight grass nest in a hol- 

 low, and their eggs are marked with brown. 



I have had the great advantage of studying the Larks with 

 Mr. Bowdler Sharpe, who was engaged at the time in writing the 

 Catalogue of these birds. "We have in every case arrived at the 

 same conclusions with regard to each species, and the only point 

 on which I subsequently found reason to differ from him was in 

 the suppression of the genus Spizalauda. 



Key to the Genera. 



a. Nine primaries, the first reaching to 



about tip of wing-. 

 '. A tuft of pointed feathers springing 



from each side of crown. OTOCOBYS, p. 319. 



b'. No tuft of pointed or other feathers 



springing from side of crown, 

 a". The longer secondaries or tertiaries 



reaching- to about tip of wing. . . . CALANDRELLA, p. 327. 

 b". The longer secondaries or tertiaries 

 falling short of tip of wing by a con- 

 siderable interval ALAUDULA, p. 330. 



