314 THE WOODLARK. 



mage of the young is a mottled white. If taken from the nest 

 to be reared when half fledged, they learn whatever is whistled 

 to them, either by a teacher or by other birds. 



Diseases. These are the same as in other Larks ; their 

 death is often caused by parasitic insects. I may here introduce 

 a fact, which seems to show that there is a difference of 

 natural constitution even between birds of the same species. 

 I possess two male Crested Larks, one of which destroys im- 

 mediately every insect which appears upon him ; while the 

 other a good singer, a beautiful feeder, and, during the four 

 years he was in my possession, a healthy bird was covered 

 with these little animals to the tip of every feather. 



Mode of Talcing. In winter, if a place which they are ob- 

 served to frequent be cleared of snow, and limed twigs, nets, 

 or even a sieve be conveniently arranged, baited with oats or 

 poppy seed, these birds may be caught without difficulty. 



Attractive Qualities. The song of the Crested Lark is ex- 

 ceedingly agreeable and various, though, in my opinion, not 

 so beautiful as that of the Skylark, of which, and the song of 

 the Linnet, it seems to be compounded. It sings from February 

 to August, by night as well as by day. It is a very docile 

 bird, and has not the tottering gait of the Skylark, but 

 traverses the room in a rapid decisive manner, making very 

 impressive motions with its crest. It is a very quarrelsome 

 bird, but has the peculiarity of continuing to sing while it 

 fights. 



ADDITIONAL. Only two or three specimens of the bird are 

 recorded to have been taken in this country. One of these is 

 mentioned in the Dublin Penny Journal, of Feb. 27, 1836, by a 

 correspondent, who signs himself W. B., who shot the bird near 

 Turrcy ; another is described by ME. YABEELL, subsequently 

 killed in Sussex. " This species," says MACGILLIVBAY, " is very 

 like the common Lark, but with the bill stronger, and distinct 

 decumbent, erectile crest. It is found in most European coun 

 tries, from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, as well as North 

 Africa, Egypt, and Anatolia." 



128. THE WOODLARK. 



Alauda Arborea, LIN. Alouette des Bois ou Cujelier,Ruv. Die Wald* 

 lerche, BECH. 



Description. The Woodlark is scarcely two-thirds of the 

 lize of the Skylark, being only six inches in length, but it bears 



