286 LARK. 



in some, but in others yellowish without spots; tail two inches long, 

 black ; the first feather white halfway through the inner web, and 

 red or orange the whole length of the outer web ; the second red on 

 the outer web; the third, fourth, and fifth slightly edged with red at 

 the points ; sixth deeply bordered on each side with russet; legs, 

 feet, and claws, yellow ; hind claw curved, and of a moderate length. 

 This comes into Gibraltar in spring, and withdraws in winter. 

 The most remarkable characters are the short, thick, and conic, sharp 

 bill, and tail, which is more forked than that of the Skylark ; is 

 singular also in having three colours in the outer tail feathers, viz. 

 black, white, and red orange. General manners as to incubation, &c. 

 unknown. 



19 —RED-BACKED LARK. 



Alouette a Dos roux, Levail. Afr. iv. 134. pi. 197. 



SIZE of the Skylark, and somewhat like it on the back, the 

 lower part of which is pale rufous ; under parts of the body dirty 

 white, marked on the breast with brown spots ; over the eyes a pale 

 streak; quills and tail brown, with paler edges; outer margin of the 

 outer tail feather white ; bill and legs brown. 



The female is smaller, though not different in colour ; but the 

 young birds want the rufous tinge on the lower part of the back. 



Inhabits the Cape of Good Hope, called Inkelde Liwerk 

 (Simple Lark). 



A. — Length six inches and a half. Bill and legs black; plumage 

 on the upper parts bluish brown ; sides of the head dusky; beneath 

 from the chin to vent dusky white, outer ridge of the wing, from the 

 bend, white; wings deep dusky blue; rump and upper tail coverts 

 pale rufous; tail elongated, rounded at the end, dusky black; legs 

 and thighs rather long ; hind claw not long, but straight. 



