110 



LARK BUNTING. 



605. Calamospiza melanocorys. 7 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 Skylarks 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 

 (.85x.65), brighter than those of the Dickcissel. 



Range. Western U. S., most abundant from Kan- 

 sas to Colorado and north to Assiniboia. 



