ALAUDA CODEA. 



first not quite half the length of the second. Tail even, or very slightly 

 rounded. Tarsi moderately strong, and anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated ; 

 toes rather short and slender ; the claws of front toes short, slightly curved, 

 and slender, the claw of hinder toe long, slender, and a little curved. 



Inches. 

 Length from tlio point of the bill to 



the tip of tail 6 



of the bill 



of the wings when folded . . 3 

 of the tail 2 



DIMENSIONS. 



Lines. 



Inches. Lines. 



Length of the tarsus 1 



of the outer toe 4 



of the middle toe 5 J 



of the inner toe -is 



of the hinder toe 4 



of the hinder claw 5 



Male. — The only male specimen of this species which I obtained in South 

 Africa had not attained to the adult plumage ; the grey of the upper parts was 

 strongly tinged with rufous, and the rump and upper tail coverts were almost 

 entirely of that tint ; the lower part of the throat was, like the breast, streaked 

 with brownish red, and the bill was considerably shorter than in adult females, 

 more conical, and the culmen towards the point less curved. 



This species is sparingly scattered over the Western districts of the Cape Colony, and is 

 generally found upon the Karroo plains between the Oliphant and Orange Rivers. The specimens 

 I observed were in localities thinly furnished with low brushwood, and they rarely failed, when 

 tiiey were disturbed in these situations, to fly to a distance, and then perch upon the summit 

 of some dwarf shrub, from whence they might ensure a view of any person who might follow 

 them. 



The bill in adult specimens of this species has considerable similarity to that of the Certhi- 

 laiider ; and were the nostrils not covered with recumbent wiry bristles, it would be difficult 

 to point out any very palpable character by which it could be distinguished from the bill of 

 a species of that subdivision. 



