BRITISH BIRDS 



The song does not last for many minutes at a time, often for only two or 

 three, and may sometimes be heard while the bird is perched on a post or bush 

 or even on the ground. 



When feeding Larks run swiftly and nimbly among the herbage, not 

 hopping like so many other small birds, and their long rather straight hind 

 claw is well adapted to assist them in passing over the grass. They have a 

 characteristic habit of standing erect, with raised crest, as shown in the plate, 

 and on other occasions will crouch, when they are easily overlooked owing to 

 their colour harmonising so well with the ground. 



When migrating Sky-Larks appear to be very much attracted by any brilliant 

 light, and great numbers out of the countless migratory flocks are lost at the 

 lighthouses on our coasts. 



On one occasion when I was working at night close to a lighted window, a 

 Lark arrived out of the darkness and fluttered against the glass, until it was 

 opened, when the bird entered the room. This habit has been taken advantage 

 of by the invention of an unsportsman-like appliance, known as a lark-glass, 

 which, attracting the birds, allowed them to be easily shot by a gunner stationed 

 near. 



Sky-Larks are fond of dusting their plumage, and also of bathing. The 

 sexes are alike in colour. 



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