PASSERINE BIRDS. 



205 



inches, its breadth is eleven and three-quarter inches, the wing measures three and a half inches, and 

 the tail two inches. The female is smaller than her mate. The plumage is brownish yellow, shaded 

 with rusty red ; the belly white, striped with black as far as the breast ; the four exterior tail-feathers 

 are white, or of a yellowish shade ; a light blue line passes over the head at the base of the upper 

 mandible, running above the eyes, and around the crest. The feathers on the back of the young 

 have a dark border. 



the skylark (A/auJa amettsis). 



This beautiful bird is found extensively throughout Southern and Central Europe, and a large 

 portion of Central Asia ; its favourite haunts are, however, restricted to such barren plains and bare 

 mountainous tracts as would offer few attractions to other members of the family. In its movements 

 the Wood Lark is extremely vivacious and active ; it runs with short steps over the ground, carrying 

 its body and crest so erect as to give it an air of great self-importance and trimness. Should its 

 promenade be disturbed by the appearance of a Hawk or other bird of prey, the little creature 

 instantly lays itself flat upon the ground, if possible in a small hollow, and in this attitude will remain 

 so still and motionless until the danger is past, as frequently to escape even the keen scrutiny of its 

 formidable pursuer. Unlike its congeners, this species passes a considerable portion of its life 



