SKYLARK 



Alauda arvensts 



bird is better known to all of us than the Skylark ; it 

 is very widely distributed throughout the British Islands, 

 extending to the Outer Hebrides, the Orkneys and Shet- 

 lands. It is a resident, except in the extreme north, 

 whence it moves south as winter approaches. 



The Skylark is more frequently kept in confinement 

 than any other bird, as it is easily caught, and sings as 

 sweetly in its little cage as when soaring high above the flower-clad meadows. 

 It is found in all kinds of localities, from the wild mountain-side to the sea- 

 coast, but is most abundant on arable lands. Its favourite haunts are among 

 the richly cultivated districts, but it is seldom if ever seen among trees, as it 

 prefers the open country. It is not a very shy bird, and will often allow the 

 observer to come within a distance of a few yards. How quickly it runs 

 about, now pausing for an instant to look warily around, standing on tiptoe 

 and stretching up its neck, again crouching down among the grass! On some 

 dusty road Skylarks may often be seen enjoying a dust-bath, of which they 

 are very fond, as it helps to rid them of troublesome parasites. 



The food of the Skylark in summer consists principally of insects, worms, 

 and small grubs ; but in winter it feeds almost entirely on seeds of various 

 kinds and an occasional small berry. It is of great service to the farmer, 

 as many of the seeds on which it feeds are those of the most troublesome 

 weeds. The Skylark seems very much attached to its winter haunts, and 

 it will seldom quit them, no matter how much it is disturbed, unless it is 

 compelled by hard weather to seek new feeding-grounds. 



During winter the Skylark is gregarious; but very early in the spring 

 the flocks break up and the pairs retire to their breeding-grounds. Early in 

 March they may be seen chasing each other through the air with great 

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