326 THE WATER LARK. 



133. THE WATER LARK. 

 Alauda Spinoletta, LIN. Der Wasserpieper, BECH. 



Description. This, which is the largest of the Larks, is 

 seven inches in length, of which the tail measures three 

 inches, and the beak seven lines. From tip to tip of the ex- 

 panded wings is eleven inches and a half. The beak has a 

 sharp ridge on the top, and in summer is horn-blue, in winter 

 brown, edged with yellow. The feet are brown, and unwieldy ; 

 the spur long and strong. The upper part of the body is olive 

 green, mottled with a similar tinge of grey; an indistinct 

 white stripe passes between the eyes ; and the under part of 

 the body is greyish white, covered on the throat and breast 

 with triangular dark brown spots. The wings are blackish 

 grey, with two white stripes ; the tail strong, somewhat forked, 

 and blackish ; the outermost feather having a wedge-shaped 

 white spot, and the second being tipped with dingy white. 



The female is a darker grey on the upper part of the body, 

 and on the under part is more thickly spotted. 



Habitat. I have never seen this bird except in Pranconia 

 and Thuringia, during its passage at the end of October and 

 beginning of November. There it may be seen in moist places, 

 and especially near springs ; and in mild winters it occasionally 

 remains till March. 



It is easily tamed, and may either be allowed to range the 

 room, or may be confined in a Lark's cage with perches. 



Food. In a wild state it feeds, like the Wagtail, on aquatic 

 insects. When confined, it may be easily induced to eat the 

 universal paste by mixing with it a meal-worm or two; it 

 will also take poppy and crushed hemp seed. It is fond of 

 bathing. 



Mode of Talcing. A spot near the water should be cleared 

 from snow, and set with limed twigs, baited with meal worms. 

 If the bird be gently driven towards it, success is certain. 



Attractive Qualities. The Water Lark, which is a favourite 

 bird with me, usually sits still upon its perch, but moves its 

 tail backwards and forwards almost as fast as a Strand Snipe. 

 Its song resembles that of a Siskin or Swallow, or is occa- 

 sionally like the wetting of a scythe. Its call, which is shrill 

 and harsh, is Hish ! hish ! It is a very cleanly bird. 



