^66 BIRDS 



tering in the United States. It also inhabits northern por- 

 tions of the old world. The common name is derived from 

 the tufts of black feathers over each ear, which the birds 

 have the power of erecting at will, like the so-called horns 

 of some owls. 



In the Eastern States, during the winter months, flocks 

 of horned larks, varying in size from a dozen to those of a 

 hundred or more, may be seen frequenting open plains, old 

 fields, dry shores of bays, and the banks of rivers. Accord- 

 ing to Davie, as there are a number of geographical varie- 

 ties of the horned lark, the greatest uncertainty has always 

 attended their identification even by experts, and the breed- 

 ing and winter ranges of the various sub-species do not yet 

 seem to be clearly defined. 



Audubon found this species on the low, mossy, and 

 sheltered hills along the dreary coast of Labrador. In the 

 midst of the mosses and lichens that covered the rocks, the 

 bird imbedded its nest, composed of fine grasses, arranged 

 in a circular form and lined with the feathers of grouse and 

 other birds. 



Chapman says these larks take wing with a sharp whis- 

 tled note and seek fresh fields or, hesitating, finally swing 

 about and return to near the spot from which they were 

 flushed. They are sometimes found associated with snow- 

 flakes. The pinkish-gray coloring is very beautiful, but in 

 the Middle and Eastern States this bird is rarety seen in his 

 spring garb, says an observer, and his winter plumage lacks 

 the vivid contrasts and prime color. 



As a singer the Shore Lark is not to be despised, espe- 

 cially in his nesting haunts. He has a habit of singing as 



