SKYLARK. 17 



INSESSORES. ALAUDIDM, 



CONIROSTRES. 



PLATE XCIV. 



SKYLARK. 

 Alauda arvensis. 



With the Larks commences the tribe of birds known 

 under the title of Conirostres. This tribe comprises about 

 one fourth of the land birds of Britain, and comprehends 

 among its members some of the most numerous species that 

 inhabit these islands ; many of which, by the familiarity of 

 their manners, are best known to us ; and which, being for 

 the most part stationary in these latitudes, enliven us at all 

 seasons either by their songs or by their presence. 



At the head of this large family stand the singing birds 

 of the division, some of which rival even the warblers in 

 the beauty of their notes. Such are the Larks, the Gold- 

 finch, the Linnet, and the Siskin. In this extensive tribe are 

 included also many species widely differing in habits, manners, 

 and appearance, from those just mentioned, which, although 

 having no pretensions to song, yet enliven by their various 

 voices a lonely scene. Among these may be mentioned the 

 busy Jackdaw, the noisy Jay, and, eminently, the Rook, whose 

 cheerful cawing imparts an air of liveliness to the environs 

 of many a grey and venerable mansion, or adds an additional 

 charm to the skirts of many a distant and secluded village. 

 But we must pass on to our more immediate subject. 



VOL. III. C 



