=04 



cassell's look OF BIRDS. 



them in company with Sparrows and Finches in the hope of obtaining food. Except during the period 

 of incubation, all are quiet, unobtrusive birds, easily distinguished from our Field Lark by their crest, 

 which is always held erect upon the head, but closely resembling their congeners in their flight and 

 movements upon the ground. Their song is sweet and silvery in its tone, and though somewhat 

 melancholy, is much admired ; many esteem the species found in the desert as the most gifted in this 

 respect, but we imagine this merely to proceed from the fact that any pleasing sounds have a double 

 charm when heard amidst the gloom of those dreary and usually silent wastes. Seeds, tender shoots, 

 and insects constitute their principal food, the latter also forming the principal nourishment of the 

 young birds. The nest, which is built in fields, vineyards, or gardens, is placed upon the ground, and 



Silted ■'.',' 



V 



THE TUFTED LARK (Galerita crista/a). 



so well concealed as to be not easily found, though often situated in localities much frequented by 

 man. The eggs are yellow or reddish white, marked with numerous grey or yellow brown spots ; the 

 first brood consists of from four to six eggs, the second seldom of more than three or four. Both 

 sexes assist in the work of incubation, taking their place upon the eggs by turns ; the young are 

 hatched in about a fortnight, and are carefully tended by both parents ; they remain close to the nest 

 until they can fly with ease, taking refuge within it in case of danger. Compared with many members 

 of the Lark family, the birds belonging to this group may be said to live in safety from the pursuit of 

 man, as their flesh is not much esteemed as an article of food. 



THE WOOD LARK. 

 The Wood Lark {Corys alauda arborea) is distinguished by its inferior size, small wings, large, 

 broad, and rounded tail, and scarcely perceptible tuft upon its head. Its length never exceeds six 



