424 PASSERINE BIRDS. 



FAMILY OF CONIROSTRES.* 



All the birds of this family have a strong beak, 

 more or less conical in its shape, and without a 

 notch. They live more exclusively upon grain, 

 in proportion to the strength and thickness of their 

 bills. The principal genera are the Starlings, the 

 Larks, the Titmice, the Buntings, the Sparrows, the 

 Crossbills, the Crows, and the Birds of Paradise. 



The Larks (Alauda) have a straight, short beak ; their head is 

 small, and furnished with a little crest of feathers ; the nail of the 

 hinder toe is straight, and much larger than that of any of the other 

 toes. The conformation of their claws does not allow these birds to 

 alight on trees ; but it is useful to them on the ground, where they 

 generally dwell, feeding on grasses, tender plants, insects and 

 larvae. They also have the habit of dusting themselves by fluttering 

 on the ground. The Lark is common throughout Europe. During 



>V_ \ 



FlG. 351. SKY-LARK. ' 



the summer these birds prefer dry elevated situations, and delight 

 in soaring to great heights in the air, singing in a strong melodious 

 voice. In winter they assemble in large numbers on the level 

 country in search of food. They are often kept in cages, and become 

 reconciled to captivity. Their flesh is esteemed a delicacy. 



* Conus, a cone ; rostrum, a bealt with conical beaks. 



