OPEN NESTS 183 



sometimes built in covered sites. The usual materials 

 are roots, dry grass, stalks, and moss for the outer 

 part of the structure, finer roots, more slender grasses 

 and hair for the lining. 



Our next family consists of the Larks (Alaudidae). 

 There is nothing specially remarkable to record con- 

 cerning the nests of the majority of species in this 

 group. The prevailing type of nest is a slight, open, 

 cup-shaped one, but exceptionally we have a domed 

 style of architecture (as in the genus Mirafra), noticed 

 in the following chapter {conf. p. 220). The Larks 

 generally nest upon the ground, placing their cradles 

 amongst herbage, and constructing them of dry grass, 

 roots, stalks and bits of moss, lined with finer grass 

 and roots, and in some cases hair or vegetable down. 

 Very similar remarks apply to the architecture of the 

 Wagtails and Pipits (Motacillidae), some of the former 

 birds making slightly more elaborate nests ; whilst in 

 both sections the nest is exceptionally hidden or con- 

 cealed under stones in rock crevices domed as in some 

 nests of the Indian Pipit {Antlius nifiihis), as we have 

 already described. The Pied Wagtails are uniformly 

 the most elaborate builders, constructing their cup 

 type of nest of dry grass, fine twigs, bent roots and 

 moss, lined with wool, hair, and feathers. The Yellow 

 Wagtails make as a rule slighter nests, and the lining 

 differs a good deal, not only in quantity, but in 

 description of material, even in the same species. 

 The exclusively American family of Wood Warblers 



