AVES—SKYLARK. 523 
ORDER IV.—GRANIVOROUS BIRDS. 
Bri of this order have the bill more or less conical, short, and strong; 
ridge more or less flattened, advancing upon the forehead; mandibles 
generis without notches; three toes before and one behind, the anterior 
ones ¢ #iwely divided; wings of medium length. 
THE SK VA hk 

Is one of the most esteemed of the European song birds. It is found 
throughout the whole of Europe, many parts of Asia, and the north of 
Africa. Its song is begun early in the spring, and continued during the 
greater part of summer. Itrises perpendicularly ina spiral flight, singing as 
it rises, till it frequently soars beyond the reach of vision. On the approach 
of winter, the larks begin to collect in immense flocks, quitting the more 
elevated parts of the country, and resorting to the coasts; at this period they 
are fat, and vast numbers are taken for the table. The lark is six inches in 
length ; its color is reddish, with the under parts yellowish white. 
The lark builds its nest upon the ground, beneath some turf, that serves 
to hide and shelter it. The female lays four or five eggs, of a dusky hue, in 
color somewhat like those of a plover. It is while she is sitting, that the 
male usually entertains her with his singing; and while he is risen to an 
imperceptible height, yet he still has his loved partner in his eye, nor once 
loses sight of the nest, either while he ascends or is descending. This 
1 Alauda arvensis, Lix. The genus Alauda has the bill subeonic, short, with the 
mandibles of equal length, and the upper one slightly convex; nostrils basal, lateral, 
partly concealed by réfle-ted feathers ; claw of the hind toe much produced, and nearly 
straight; wings with thé first quill short or wanting, the third the longest; coronal feath. 
ers general y produced. 
