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CASSELLS BOOK Ul-' lilKDS. 



The STILTED LARKS (Certhilauda) are a group inhabiting Africa, remarkable for their 

 elongated bodies, small heads, and large beaks, the upper mandible of which terminates in a slight 

 hook ; they are likewise distinguished by their comparatively short wings, long, rounded tail, and very 

 high tarsi, furnished with toes and nails of moderate length. 



The SPUR LARKS (Macronyx) are distinguished by their straight, short, and powerful beaks, 

 elevated tarsi and feet, furnished with large toes, and by their variegated plumage. The large, 

 somewhat curved nail upon the hinder loj must, however, be regarded as the peculiar characteristic of 

 these birds. 



THE SENTRY LARK {Macronyx capensis). 



THE SENTRY LARK. 

 The Sentry Lark (Macronyx capensis) has received its name from the peculiar cry that it utters 

 when disturbed, which sounds exactly like the Qui vive ! employed as a challenge by French soldiers on 

 guard. The plumage of this species is more variegated than that of almost any other Lark, the 

 feathers upon the back being deep grey, edged with a lighter tint, and the exterior tail-feathers of a 

 whitish shade half way up the inner web ; the lower part of the body is of almost uniform reddish 

 brown ; a streak over the eyes is deep orange, as is the throat, the latter being surrounded by a black 

 line ; the eye is reddish brown, the beak dark grey, and the feet of a yellowish shade. The plumage 



