3S8 BIRDS OF THE DISTRICT OF GEELONG 
or grassland, there to stay till the new year's crop is 
high enough to afford them cover. 
It is the only wild bird we have in this district 
which mimics others, and that in the spring months 
it does to perfection. Rising abruptly from the 
growing crop, it soars, with a little original song of 
its own, to a height of from lOO to 150 feet from 
the ground, or even higher, with a very quick flutter- 
ing movement of the wings. At the top of its flight, 
still on agitated wings, it begins its series of imitations. 
The bird's own natural song, which sounds a little like 
the Skylark's but is not nearly so strong and full, 
forms the base or undercurrent, and is interposed 
between all the imitations. Suddenly one hears the 
cheery double " sweet-tweet " of the Swallow, fol- 
lowed shortly by the merry little rippling song of the 
Tomtit, reproduced a merveille. Then one may get 
the chatter of the Sparrow in the hedge, the " two- 
to-weep " of the Quail, or the hurried alarm-notes 
of the cock Blue-wren. 
Other birds I have heard it imitate are the Green- 
finch, Goldfinch, Silver-eye, and Skylark. The last 
was a good effort (it was near Waurn Ponds bridge, 
and I had got off my bicycle to listen), but from the 
oatfield below shot up suddenly into the blue the 
English singer himself, pouring his heart out until 
" all the earth and air with his voice was loud," and 
in that flood of melody the Crop-lark's little strain 
faded altogether. 
In autumn and winter, when it inhabits the stubbles 
