BRITISH BIRDS. 95 



isolated nest is found, while where trees are lacking it 

 breeds in bushes or on the ground. Nest : lined with 

 a quantity of grass and fibrous roots. Eggs : 4 or 5 ; 

 similar to those of C. corone but usually with smaller and 

 closer markings; also not so large; size i'6o by ri8. 



123. COPVUS eorax, Linn. RAVEN. 



Hab. Northern Palaearctic region. 



Male : whole plumage black, glossed with purple, 

 especially on the long pointed feathers of the throat ; 

 bill and tarsi black ; iris grey. Length 23*00. Female : 

 duller and a trifle smaller. 



Still breeds in almost every part of British Isles, 

 excepting eastern and central portions of England and 

 some parts of Ireland ; most abundant in Scotland. 

 Nest : in cliffs or trees ; consists of a quantity of sticks 

 surmounted by a cup of wool, hair, etc. ; when in cliffs 

 it is often used for many years and added to annually. 

 Eggs : 3 to 5 ; similar to those of C. corone but larger ; 

 size 1*92 by 1*35. A noted robber and absolutely 

 omnivorous. 



Family Alaudidae. 



GENUS LVIL ALAUDA, Linnaeus (1766). 

 Bill of moderate length, somewhat slender, nearly 

 straight ; upper mandible arched and slightly decurved 

 at tip, but not notched. Wings long, tertiaries much 

 lengthened. Hind claw long and almost straight. 



124. Alauda arvensis, Linn. SKY-LARK. 



Hab. Whole Palaearctic region ; in Europe north, 

 locally, to lat. 70. Partially migratory in winter. 



Male : feathers above dark brown in centre with broad 

 buff margins ; above eye a short whitish streak ; feathers 



