WOOD-LARK. 259 



but more frequently round the large end ; whilst some have most of the 

 markings in a semi-confluent mass at the large end. They vary in length 

 from -9 to "78 inch, and in hreadth from •/ to -6 inch. The eggs of this 

 bird dijffer very considerably from those of the Sky-Lark, the only eggs 

 with which they are at all likely to be confused. The ground-colour is 

 more exposed and whiter, and the spots are reddish brown instead of olive- 

 or neutral brown, aud generally much smaller, better defined, and have 

 not such a tendency to become confluent. If the eggs of birds are any 

 guide to the afiinity of the birds themselves, the Wood-Lark must be very 

 nearly related to the Crested Lark. The eggs of the two birds resemble 

 each other very remarkably ; those of the Crested Lark are larger and on 

 an average greener, but the pattern of the spots and the general resem- 

 blance is very striking. As soon as the young of the first brood are able 

 to take care of themselves, they appear to be abandoned by their parents, 

 who often rear a second brood. Like most ground-building birds, the 

 Wood-Lark is a very close sitter, aud often allows herself to be almost 

 trodden upon before she quits her charge. 



The food of the Wood-Lark does not differ, so far as is known, from that 

 of its congeners. In the summer, or in fact whenever it can obtain them, 

 insects are most sought after ; but in winter it eats seeds of various kinds, 

 and also tender shoots of herbage. 



After the young of the second brood can fly they generally leave their 

 birthplace, and in company with their parents roam about in quest of food. 

 These little family-parties often join others ; but the Wood-Lark is never 

 seen in such vast flocks as the Sky-Lark. At this season the bird keeps 

 chiefly to the ground, searching for its food amongst the dead leaves and 

 herbage below the trees or even in the open fields ; but sometimes a few 

 days of fine mild weather or a gleam of sunshine will send the cock birds 

 to the trees, whence they warble just as sweetly as in early summer. On 

 being approached these small parties of Wood-Larks generally rise into the 

 air one or two at a time, always uttering their liquid musical call-note, and 

 fly off to some distance, some taking refuge in the tree-tops, others alight- 

 ing on the ground again. Sometimes a bird or two of the present species 

 may be noticed in company with Sky-Larks. Apparently few, if any, 

 Wood-Larks come to our islands to winter; for the bird is seldom or never 

 observed in those parts of the country which are recognized landing-places 

 for migratory birds, although the autumnal flights of the Sky-Lark are an 

 " event " noticed by even the most casual of observers. 



The adult male Wood-Lark in breeding-plumage has the general colour 

 of the upper parts brown ; the dark centres of the feathers are well defined 

 and almost black on the head and back, somewhat more obscure on the 

 nape, and entirely absent from the rump and upper tail-coverts; the 

 primary -coverts are tipped with white ; the eye-stripes are nearly white and 



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