110 SKYLARK 
ALAUDA ARVENSIS, Linn. SKYLARK. 
Manx, Ushag-y-tappee, Ushag-tappagh (M. 8S. D.)=crested 
bird ; Ushag chabbagh (M. 8. D.)=stammering or babbling 
bird ; Ushag happagh (Cr.). (Cf. Sc. Gaelic, Utseag ; Irish, 
Furseog.) ‘Ushag’ is the common Manx generic term for 
‘bird,’ as may be seen by many compounds translated in this 
work, though ‘Kean’ (cf. Sc. Gaelic and Irish, Hun) is also 
used. In Lonan ‘Ushag’ is usually pronounced ‘ U/liag.’ 
The Skylark is common on our open pastures and sandy 
wastes, and even high on the mountain land. Already in 
February its ecstatic song may be heard, by far the finest 
of the bird melodies of our island. In autumn its numbers 
are probably, as in Ireland, increased, flocks being abundant 
through the winter. 
Entries are numerous in the migration reports; it often 
occurs with other species. On the 24th March 1886 there 
were great numbers at the Chickens, and on numerous dates 
in the autumn of 1887 it is reported abundantly both there 
and at the Bahama light-vessel, where as early in the 
year as 5th and 10th January (1887) some were killed. 
On 20th February 1890 twenty-three were killed at the 
Point of Ayre. Mr. Graves has noticed Larks between 
Liverpool and Douglas. The migrations of the species in 
Britain are of a complicated nature and often on a vast 
scale. (See B. A. Report, Glasgow, 1901.) 
The Skylark is generally abundant in Great Britain, 
including the Scottish islands, and in Ireland. In the 
north its numbers are lessened in winter, and in Kirkeud- 
brightshire it is said to have recently decreased and again 
become abundant. 
(On 21st October 1886 a ‘ Woodlark’ is noted on the 
lantern at Langness at 1 A.M.) 
