THE WHITE-WINGED LARK. 



Alaiida sibirica, J. F. Gmelin. 

 Plate 22. 



The first occurrence of this Eastern species noted in England was a bird 

 caught alive near Brighton in November 1869, which had been consorting with 

 some Snow-Buntings. Since that date five others have been obtained in Kent 

 and Sussex. It breeds among the steppes of southern Russia, where it 

 is quite common, and also in Asia from Turkestan to Siberia, migrating 

 southwards and westwards in autumn. 



The nest, usually begun in May, is built like those of its congeners on the 

 ground in some small depression, sheltered by a grass tuft or bush. The 

 eggs vary in number from three to five, and in colour are yellowish-white, with 

 markings of dull brown and lilac-grey. 



Little is known of its habits, and I can find no information about its food, 

 which probably is similar to the other Larks'. It frequents open country, and 

 according to Pallas is often to be seen by roadsides, where it sings while 

 fluttering in the air after the manner of the Sky-Lark, but with a shorter and 

 somewhat different strain. 



The female is duller in colour than her mate, and lacks the bright rufous 

 tints on the head and other parts. 



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