HISTORY OF BRITISH BIRDS. 



SHORE LARK. 



Alaudii alpestris, JENYNS. GOULD. EYTOX. 



" cornuta, EICHAUDSON AND SWAINSOX. 



Alauda A Lark. Alpestris ? 



THIS species is a native of the northern parts of Europe, 

 Asia, and America, being found in the most abundance in 

 the last-named continent. It is also said to occur at the 

 southern extremity of South America, on those stony shores 

 which have perpetuated the name of the enterprising Magellan ; 

 and, if it be so, on others doubtless in all that part of the 

 world as well. According to Temminck, it is found commonly 

 in Saxony, Germany, and Holland, both in winter and summer, 

 and breeds in the latter. 



The instances of the occurrence of the Shore Lark in this 

 country are but very few. One, a male in immature plumage, 

 was shot on the beach at Sherringham, in the county of 

 Norfolk, in March, 1830. A second has been recorded by 

 Thomas Eyton, Esq., as having been killed in Lincolnshire; 

 and Mr. Yarrell mentions two which were obtained on a Down 

 in Kent. 'Two and two make four.' 



In severe weather these birds move towards the warmer 

 climates of the south or the north, according as they have 

 been localized north or south of the equator. They move 

 thus in the beginning of September, flying in straggling 

 numbers, hardly to be called flocks, and at but a low eleva- 

 tion above the water, having previously collected together in 

 small parties of forty or fifty, the members of different families. 

 In the beginning of June they again retrace their steps, or 

 VOL. in. B 



