314 THE BIRDS OF MONGOLIA ETC. 



We found this Lark in Kan-su, at Koko-nor, Tsaidam, and Northern 

 Tibet ; and in the latter place it is very abundant. In its habits and voice 

 it does not differ from the preceding species. 



177. Alauda arvensis, L. Javoronoh polevoy. 



Occurs throughout Mongolia^ with the exception of Ala-shan and the 

 most desolate places of the Gobi desert. In Kan-su it is very common, 

 rarer in Koko-nor, of occasional occurrence in Tsaidam, and has not been 

 found in Northern Tibet. We found it wintering in the Hoang-ho valley, 

 where the climate is much milder than in the neighbouring higher- situated 

 mountain parts of Gobi. In S.E. Mongolia we met with some tolerably large 

 flocks, from the early part of March, migrating north ; and at Koko-nor we 

 saw several migrating birds on the 20th of March. 



The strong and long-lasting gales which occur in spring in Mongolia 

 cause these birds not to sing much ; but as soon as the storms are over, the 

 Larks commence at once, and occasionally even at nights. 



The earliest nests we found in S E. Mongolia were finished about the 

 middle of May, being probably so late on account of the grass not 

 commencing to grow till about that time. 



This species is very abundant in the Ussuri in unploughed fields and 

 steppes, but always avoids thick grass on the shores of rivers or in valleys. 



About Lake Hanka the earliest migrants arrive early in March, but 

 principally towards the end of that month. 



178. Galerida leautungensis, Swinh. Javoronoh hohlatey. 



Is very closely allied to the European G. cristata ; but difi^ers from the 

 same (a) by its larger size, ( 6) longer bill and crest, (c) lighter sandy-yellow 

 plumage ; and, finally, (d^ the blackish spots on the breast of the present 



