8 WOOD LABK. 



where hedge-row timber abounds, the great ornament of the 

 English landscape. 



It remains with us throughout the year. 



In hard weather a few collect together, but for the most 

 part only the members of the original family, six or seven 

 in all. They are easily tamed, and become exceedingly familiar, 

 even answering, when called to, with a few liquid notes. 

 They seem to roost at night both on the ground and in 

 trees. 



The Wood Lark commences its flight from the ground, a 

 bush, or the top of a tree, with a short straight progress, 

 which it then begins to change for an upward spiral one, 

 gradually enlarging the area of each circle as it ascends. When 

 the summit, so to speak, is gained, it sometimes floats about 

 in a similar manner; and at others, after hovering about, 

 descends again as it rose, in circles ; often with wings stretched 

 out, and seemingly motionless; and when it again reaches the 

 earth, it runs a few steps along the ground. Mr. Selby says 

 that it occasionally remains an hour on the wing, and Bech- 

 stein even several hours. On the ground they walk in rather 

 a slow manner. 



Its food consists of insects, which it sometimes chases like 

 the Flycatcher, but mostly seeks upon the ground, where it 

 also meets with caterpillars and worms. It also, at times, 

 when the snow shuts up the sources of its usual supplies, 

 eats small seeds, grain, and green herbage. 



Its note is very rich, and rather of a plaintive cast, and is 

 prolonged, it is said, during the warm nights of summer. It 

 has been heard even in the months of January and December, 

 and is regularly commenced in March and April, if the 

 weather be fine. It is uttered both when the musician is 

 perched upon the branch of a tree, or when wheeling and 

 hovering in the air in the manner already described, as is 

 its wont: 



'High in the air and poised upon its wings, 

 Unseen, the soft enamoured Wood Lark sings.' 



Selby and Montagu say that it is sometimes heard, though 

 but rarely, from the ground. 



Early in March these birds pair, and commence building 

 their nests about the middle of the month, if the season be 

 favourable. 



The nest is placed upon the ground, beneath some low 



