424 



PERCHING BIRDS. 



the sides of the head are marked with blackish brown, a creamy white stripe 

 extending over and behind the eye ; on each side of the upper part of the breast 

 is a blackish brown patch; and the under-parts generally are white washed 

 with buff. Individual specimens vary considerably in tint, some being more 

 rufous or grey than others. 

 The caiandra This group comprehends a small assemblage of large, stout- billed 



Larks. larks, characterised by black patches of feathers on each side of the 

 breast. The wing has ten primaries, the first being very minute, and is very long, 



CALANDRA LARK (J liat. Size). 



reaching nearly to the tip of the tail ; the claw of the first toe being long and 

 straight. This Old World group is chiefly found in Southern Europe, Algeria, 

 Egypt, Nubia, and India : the Eastern representative of the Western bird inhabiting 

 Northern China. 



The caiandra (Melanocorypha caiandra) is one of the finest of 

 European songsters, which it would be difficult to overpraise, as it 

 would also be difficult to exaggerate the beauty of its glorious song which is full 

 of changes ; although individuals vary in the proficiency of their vocal powers. 

 In appearance, it somewhat recalls that of the corn-bunting. It is a heavily-built 

 bird, and somewhat similar to the latter in shape, but it does not dangle its legs in 

 the air when flying. A permanent resident in the south of France and Spain, in 



Caiandra Lark. 



