460 ALAUDID^E. 



tracts of country where the Sky Lark is most abundant. 

 In some of its habits, also, the Wood Lark differs from 

 its generic companion, particularly in that of singing while 

 perched on the branch of a tree, which the other does not. 

 Its voice has neither the variety nor the power of that 

 of the Sky Lark ; but is superior to it in quality of tone, 

 and by many persons preferred on that account. There 

 is also a plaintive character in its song, which is second 

 only to that of the Nightingale, and, like that bird, it is 

 said also to sing during warm summer nights. Several 

 writers have heard this Lark sing sweetly even in the 

 months of December and January; and as the season 

 advances, being an early breeder, it is heard to advantage 

 in March and April while wheeling in circles, and some- 

 times hovering 



" High in air, and poised upon its wings, 

 Unseen the soft, enamour'd Wood Lark sings." 



The nest is built upon the ground, under shelter of a 

 low bush, or a tuft of grass ; it is usually formed exter- 

 nally of coarse grass with some moss, lined with finer 

 bents and a few hairs. The eggs are four or five in num- 

 ber, nine lines and a half in length by seven lines in 

 breadth, of a pale reddish white ground, spotted and 

 speckled with dull reddish brown ; and as the eggs have 

 been found as early as March, and as late as July, it is 

 probable these birds produce two broods in the season ; 

 but as the young of the Wood Lark are in great request 

 to bring up as cage-birds, the late attempts of this species 

 to obtain a brood may sometimes be the consequence of 

 previous disappointment. The family of the year, with 

 the parent birds, keep together through their first winter, 

 and are seldom seen in larger flocks. They feed on grain, 

 seeds, insects, and worms. 



