330 PERCHERS AND SINGERS 
THE HORNED-LARK FAMILY 
Alaudidae 
There is a Lark Family which we regret to say does not 
include the meadowlark; for this separation of birds bearing 
the same general name tends to create confusion. In Europe 
the Lark Family is a very large one, and contains about a 
hundred species, the most celebrated of which is the unfor- 
tunate skylark. It is unfortunate because of the wholesale 
and heartless manner in which it is caught and kept in piti- 
ful captivity as a “‘cage bird.”” In London these wretched 
little creatures are sold by the thousand, sometimes at six- 
pence each, or even less. 
Strange to say, in America the Lark Family is repre- 
sented by only twelve species and subspecies, of which the 
Hornep Lark or SHore Lark! is the best type. It is 
called ‘Horned’? Lark because of a small, pointed tuft or 
brush of feathers which lies along the side of the head above 
the eye, pointing backward and thrusting its tip through the 
regular outline of the back of the head. The resemblance of 
these points to horns is quite far-fetched, but it seems to have 
been brought in to stay. 
This bird looks very much like.a small plover. Our 
eastern species is by habit a shore bird, whence its second 
name. It comes to us in winter, in flocks of from six to 
twenty individuals, and at that season its plumage is not so 
bright and pleasing as in spring. 
The West and Southwest are inhabited by nine sub- 
1 Q-toc'o-ris al-pes'tris. Length, 7.50 inches. 
