THE SKTLAEK. 327 



Family ALAUDID^. Larks. 

 124. Alauda arvensis Linnaeus. 



Alauda arvensis LiNNiEUS, Systema jSTaturre, ed. 10, I, 1758, 165. 

 (B — , C 55 bis, R 299, C 88, U [473].) 



Geographical range: Europe and portions of Asia and Africa; accidental in 

 Greenland and the Bermuda Islands. Introduced, though not successfully, in the United 

 States, on Long Island, New York; Dear Cincinnati, Ohio; St. Louis, Missouri, and Port- 

 land, Oregon. 1 



The popular Skylark of Europe claims a place in our fauna, being' a casual 

 visitor in Greenland, and it also occurs occasionally in the Bermuda Islands. 

 Several attempts have been made at various times to introduce this favorite 

 European songster in different parts of the United States, and though some of 

 these were apparently successful for a time, eventually, as far as known, they 

 all failed. Up to March, 1888, the Skylark was evidently fairly well established 

 in suitable localities on Long Island, New York, and nested there ; but since the 

 occurrence of the severe blizzard in the middle of that month none have been 

 observed, and it is presumed that the entire colony was destroyed, the last date 

 on which any have actually been taken there being February 22, 1888, accord- 

 ing to Mr. William Dutcher. 



Still, it seems to be a hardy bird, as Mr. Henry Seebohm states: "In west- 

 ern Europe it breeds up to latitude 70° (although it is comparatively rare north 

 of the Arctic Circle)." In speaking about the general habits of this species he 

 says: "No bird is better known or more frequently kept in confinement than 

 the Skylark. It is easily caught, readily tamed, and bears its captivity well, 

 singing as sweetly on the sod in its* little cage as when soaring in boundless 

 freedom high up amongst the clouds. It is found in all kinds of places, from 

 the coast to the inland moors and mountains, but is perhaps most abundant 

 in well-cultivated districts. It delights to frequent arable land, rich meadows, 

 and commons, but is never seen in woods or places where trees are very close 

 together. It is also very partial to the most elevated pastures, and often deserts 

 a sheltered valley to remain on them throughout the year. During winter 

 the Skylark is gregarious, but very early in the spring the large flocks break 

 up and it retires to its breeding grounds. In March, when the cold winds are 

 drying up the fallows, and the first spring flowers are appearing in the hedges, the 

 Skylark pairs. At this season several males may often be seen chasing a female 

 with great rapidity through the air, and every now and then bursting out into 

 sweetest song. Sometimes a male will hover above the female, who crouches 

 low among the herbage, and in various ways he will seek to display his charms. 



1 It has been reported that the colony of Skylarks set out near Portland, Oregon, some years ago, was 

 in a flourishing condition, but on inquiry during a recent visit tbere, in May, 1894, I failed to have this 

 statement confirmed. 



