ALAUDA CODEA. 
r st not quite half the length of the second. Tail even, or very slightly 
rounded. Tarsi moderately strong, and anteriorly and posteriorly scutellated ; 
toes rather short and slender ; the claws of front toes short, slightly curved' 
and slender, the claw of hinder toe long, slender, and a little curved. 
DIMENSIONS. 
Inches. Lines. 
Length from the point of the bill to 
the tip of tail e 6 
of the bill o 9 
of the wings when folded . . 3 6 
of the tail 2 9 
Inches. Lines. 
Length of the tarsus 1 o 
of the outer toe 0 4 
of the middle toe 0 5J 
of the inner toe o 4 
of the hinder toe 0 4 
of the hinder claw 0 5 
Male. The only male specimen of this species which I obtained in South 
Africa had not attained to the adult plumage ; the grey of the upper parts was 
strongly tinged with rufous, and the rump and upper tail coverts were almost 
entirely of that tint ; the lower part of the throat was, like the breast, streaked 
with brownish red, and the bill was considerably shorter than in adult females, 
more conical, and the culmen towards the point less curved. 
This species is sparingly scattered over the Western districts of the Cape Colony and is 
generally found upon the Karroo plains between the Oliphant and Orange Rivers. The specimens 
\ ° bserVed Were ln locaIities thinI y furnished with low brushwood, and they rarely failed, when 
they were disturbed in these situations, to fly to a distance, and then perch upon the summit 
them* 116 dWarf SlnUb ’ fl0m WhenCC they might ensure a view of an y person who might follow 
The bill in adult specimens of this species has considerable similarity to that of the Certhi- 
laudcc ; and were the nostrils not covered with recumbent wiry bristles, it would be difficult 
to point out any very palpable character by which it could be distinguished from the bill of 
a species of that subdivision. 
