alaudin.e. 423 



The Pale-rufous Fjnch-lark. 



Descr. — Affined to A . phmiicura, but the general hue is less 

 rufescent ; upper parts dull sandy grey-brown ; the wing-coverts 

 dark-shafted ; the under parts fulvous grey, or isabelline, albescent 

 on the throat, and with a few faint dusky streaks on the breast ; 

 tail brown, faintly rufescent at its extreme base, and on the outer 

 web of the outermost feather ; broad margins to the inner webs 

 of the primaries and secondaries, with the axillaries, also pale 

 rufescent. 



Bill dusky above, yellowish beneath; feet pale yellow-brown. 

 Length about 6 inches ; wing 4; tail 2| ; tarsus § ; hind claw 

 above T 5 g-. 



This species inhabits Affghanistan and Central Asia, but spreads 

 into Cashmere and the Punjab Salt range, where procured by 

 Mr. Theobald. Griffith states that it frequents rocks and stony 

 places, and that the claws are usually much worn. It is chiefly an 

 inhabitant of Arabia, Northern Africa, and Southern Europe, 

 especially in the south of Spain and Portugal. 



It is much paler and less rufous than the last ; of which it may 

 be supposed to have the habits. Tristram found its nest in Africa, 

 and describes the eggs as cream colour., blotched with red and 

 brown. 



Other species of this Finch-lark are A. cinnamomm, Bonap., 

 and A. pallida of Ehrenberg. It does not seem that the Indian 

 examples have been accurately compared with lusitanica, and 

 Horsfield, in his Catalogue, gives both these last species with a 

 query, as perhaps the same as our bird. 



The next genus is chiefly developed in Africa, one species only 

 occurring in India. 



Gen. Pyrriiulauda, A. Smith. 

 Char. — Bill short, very stout, sides compressed; tip entire; 

 culmen strongly arched ; commissure straight ; wings moderately 

 long, broad, and well developed, and the tertiarics lengthened ; first 

 quill very small, the four next equal and longest ; tail moderate, 

 slightly forked ; tarsus short ; toes small ; hind claw slightly length- 

 ened and curved. 



