26 ALAUDIDiE. 



and, according to Bechstein, it continues in the air hours at 

 a time. In descending, this species still performs its flight 

 in circles, and often "with motionless and expanded wings ; 

 and when it again reaches the earth it runs a few steps, still 

 warbling its concluding notes. The song of the Woodlark 

 is considered to surpass that of the preceding species in sweet- 

 ness and melody, although in variety and power the skylark 

 has the preference. 



Larks chiefly feed in autumn and winter upon grain, and 

 seeds of various sorts ; in spring and summer, insects form a 

 great part of their subsistence, varied with the young green 

 leaves of various plants. In captivity this species may be 

 fed upon bread and milk, meat chopped very fine, ants 1 eggs, 

 and other insects, with the addition of blades of young wheat, 

 oats, hemp and poppy seed ; but the most convenient food 

 as a daily dish is German paste, of which most small birds 

 are fond. The Woodlark in confinement is a sociable and 

 interesting bird, and soon becomes attached. If placed in a 

 large cage where it has plenty of choice of situation, it will 

 generally be observed to sit on the side nearest to its human 

 associates. Thus placed, and apparently watching calmly the 

 occupations of the persons in the room, this lark sits and 

 sings its sweet, unobtrusive song in quiet enjoyment. 



In a cage this bird usually perches ; we have had several 

 which all preferred, and constantly kept possession of a 

 wooden partition, raised a few inches from the floor of the 

 cage, which appeared to afford a comfortable and flat resting- 

 place for the sole of the foot ; they slept also in the same 

 spot, or upon a perch ; when sleeping the legs are much 

 bent, or compressed under them. Skylarks also, which sleep 

 upon the ground, bend or compress their legs in the same 

 manner, so that the body rests upon the feet. So sociable 

 is the caged Woodlark that when spoken to it invariably 

 answers with a few low liquid notes. 



