PASSERES—ALAUDIDA. 125 
“Abundant winter resident” is the term he applies to alpes- 
tris, the form known to him. After an experience of twelve 
years in Lorain county I would not consider it more than 
common. In 1882 it apparently ranged completely across 
the state, but now there are no extreme southern records. 
This, again, may be due to unfamiliarity with the birds. At 
any rate itis more common north than south. I have sel- 
dom seen true Horned Larks before the first considerable 
cold wave which brings snow. This may be late in Novem4 
ber or not until the second week in January. Most of the 
Horned Larks have gone north by the middle of March, but 
individuals sometimes tarry until early May. 
During the winter the Horned Lark is largely a seed 
eater, and destroys quantities of noxious weeds in embryo. 
During the period of snow covered landscape he searches 
out the freshly spread manure, or goes into the pastures 
where fodder has been scattered, picking up what the cattle 
have left or uncovered. Flocks of several hundred are not 
uncommon at such times. 
172. (474b.) OrocorIs ALPESTRIS PRATICOLA Hensh. — 
Prairie Horned Lark. 
Dwight, Auk, VII, 1890, 145. 
This is the first specific reference. In a general way Hen- 
shaw covered Ohio in his review in 1884, but made no specific 
reference to Ohio. This form was not elaborated until two 
years after Dr. Wheaton had seen his catalogue out of the press, 
but since he makes no mention of the breeding of the Horned 
Lark it seems likely that he did not know this form. It is very 
probable that it invaded the state just after Dr. Wheaton laid 
down his work. 
O. a. praticola is now the common resident form nearly 
throughout the state. It is naturally more numerous in the 
more level northern and western parts than in the rougher 
south-eastern. Naturally it is confused with alpestris by 
many of the Ohio men, particularly those who are familiar 
with the earlier classification which Dr. Wheaton used. 
In general habits this form agrees with alpestris. During 
