THE CRESTED LARK 
Galerita cristata 
All upper plumage brown; the large feathers of wings 
and tail edged with a lighter buffish tone; crest of narrow 
dark-brown feathers with light edges; back of crest, as one 
sees under it when raised, tells very rich dark brown; under- 
parts white spotted and streaked on breast with dark brown. 
Length, 6°7 inches. 
For once the name does really describe the bird, 
so that none may be in any doubt whatever. For 
the crest is the one thing noticed. I have drawn 
one with a fine crest, but have been afraid to make 
it as big as I have in one or two cases seen it. 
Early in February I saw some that I really think 
had the crest a full eighth of an inch higher than 
my drawing shows. In each case they were un- 
doubtedly showing off to their lady-love. The 
crest can be, and often is, raised at an absolute 
right angle as to a line horizontal with the beak. 
The bird is so tame that frequently it sits on the 
path so that you fear your donkey will tread on it, 
and so common that no one, however unobservant, 
but must notice it; it is particularly in evidence 
on the great Thebes plain across which all go to the 
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