•tr 



116 CLASS AVES. 



The Third Family of the Passeres, or the 

 conirostres, 



Comprehends the genera with strong beak, more or 

 les3 conical, and not toothed. They Hve more ex- 

 clusively on grain, in proportion as the bill is stronger 

 and thicker. 



We distinguish at first among them, the genus 

 of the 



Larks. Alauda. Lin. 



By the claw of their thumb, which is altogether 

 straight, strong, and much longer than the others. 

 These are granivorous birds, pulverators, which so- 

 journ and nestle on the ground. 



The greater number have the straight bill mode- 

 rately bulky and pointed. 



The Sky Lark. Al. arvensis. Enl. 368. 1. 



Is universally known by its perpendicular flight, 

 which it performs singing with force and variety, 

 and by the abundance in which it is provided for 

 our tables. Plumage, brown above, whitish beneath, 

 spotted throughout with a deeper brown ; the two 

 external quills of the tail brown without. 



T7ie Crested Lark. Alauda crutata, Enl. 503. 1. 



Very nearly of the same size, and of the same plum- 

 age ; the feathers of the head capable of being 



