THE SHORE-LARK. 



Otocorys alpestris (Linnaeus). 

 Plate 22. 



The Shore-Lark has long been known as a winter visitor to our islands, 

 the first having been obtained in March 1830 on the Norfolk coast. Of late 

 years, during the months between autumn and spring, its visitations have 

 greatly increased, and may now be considered as annual along the east coast 

 and as far north as Fair Isle, Shetlands. It has never been recorded in the 

 west, and only once in Ireland. 



During winter the Shore-Lark seems to lead a wandering life, and in summer 

 is found over a great part of Northern Europe, mainly beyond the Arctic Circle, 

 and also in Northern Asia and America. 



The nest is invariably built on the ground, usually in some slight depression 

 or among stones, being lightly made of grass and bents, and lined inside with the 

 hair of the reindeer or with willow-down. The number of eggs varies from three 

 to five, and their colour is pale greenish-white, closely and irregularly marked 

 with dull brown ; occasionally the markings form a zone at the larger end. 



The Shore-Lark breeds twice yearly, the broods afterwards forming flocks. 

 Its food consists of seeds and insects, and its song, though brief, is full of melody, 

 the birds singing in the air as well as on the ground. It is not shy and may be 

 seen about the villages and towns of Northern Europe. 



The female is rather smaller, has less black on the head, and is duller in colour 

 than the male. 



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