308 POULTRY AND WILD BIRDS 
47460 Prairie Horned Lark. Length 7% inches. 
When met with in our path, this lark often runs before us after the 
manner of the Vesper Sparrow, from which bird it may be distinguished 
by its chocolate back, the black shield on the breast and black patch on 
the cheek, giving it a striking appearance. 
When it takes wing, it usually utters a 
sharp whistling note, whereas the Vesper 
Sparrow flies off in silence. The “horns” 
are tufts of elongated feathers on either 
side of the head of the male, but they 
cannot be distinctly seen except when the 
bird holds them erect. A charming singer, 
and may be heard especially just before 
dawn and after sunset. Utters the first 
bird song of the season; the writer has 
heard one sing on the North Dakota prairie 
the first day of March. Begins nesting 
when the snow is still on the ground. His diet consists of prairie insects 
and seeds. P.R.andS.R. 
474¢ Desert Horned Lark. S.R. Central Dakota and westward. 
Hornep LARK 
Crow Family. — This is not a commonplace family. In point of 
intelligence its members rank among the cleverest birds, in size several 
of them excel all other perching birds, and in musical ability no bird 
could be less gifted. They are om- 
nivorous feeders, eating almost any 
vegetable or animal food in almost 
any condition. They inhabit wooded 
regions, though the Crows often wan- 
der into open fields. 
475 American Magpie. Length 
15-22 inches. AMERICAN MAGPIE 
A large, long-tailed, black bird with white shoulders, belly, and tips 
of wings. Nest very large (sometimes as big as a bushel basket) placed 
in bushes or trees. Magpies are easily tamed and become mischievous 
and interesting pets. They are only occasionally seen farther east than 
the Missouri River. P.R. 
