HORSFIELD'S BUSH-LARK OR CROP-LARK 359 
and tussocky lands, the Crop-lark has no song, not 
even the faintest of chirps as it rises before one, 
differing in this from the Ground-lark. It does not 
go far, and may also be distinguished from the Ground- 
lark on such occasions by its jerky, spasmodic motions 
in the air, and its smaller, stumpier body, thicker 
beak, and shorter tail. The whitish feathers on each 
side of the tail are very similar to the Ground-lark's. 
Dogs point to this bird just as they do to the 
Calamanthus ; and, curiously enough, Crop-larks are 
very often found in the autumn in the same fields 
with the Stubble Quail. 
The nest is like the Ground-lark's and placed in 
similar positions, but usually in a growing crop. The 
eggs, three in number, are smaller and rather glossier 
and darker than the Ground-lark's, but otherwise 
similar in colouration. 
The Crop-lark is distributed throughout the Gee- 
long district, and its song may be heard over almost 
any crop-land in the month of September. It is 
much smaller than the English Skylark, with which, 
when on the wing, it might be confused. 
SPOTTED-SIDED FINCH 
Stagonopleura guttata philordi 
This beautiful little Finch, now a rarity in the district 
(the last I saw was near Ceres Bridge in October, 
191 1), might, when it is feeding on the ground, where 
