425 
Ornithology of Northern Africa. 
portion is scooped out of the upper mandible, leaving a crescent¬ 
shaped aperture, through which a straw may be passed, and then 
at an acute angle fitting closely down on the lower mandible, 
which, though notched, is perfectly straight along its whole 
centre line. 
Total length 6J to 6| inches. Wing from carpal joint 5 inches. 
Tarsi *9 inch. 
80. Melanocorypha calandra; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 242. 
(Calandra Lark.) 
Though swarming on the coasts, and by far the most common 
Lark in the Tell, the Calandra soon becomes scarce in the inte¬ 
rior, and can only doubtfully claim a place in the Sahara list. 
The two specimens I obtained on its edge are decidedly larger 
than those of the plains on the other side the Atlas, measuring 
8 inches in length, with beaks more robust and longer than in 
other specimens, *8 inch from the gape instead of - 6 inch, but do 
not exhibit any further specific distinction. 
The Calandra is in high esteem by French epicures, and 
ranks among the best c gibier’ of the Algerian chasseur. 
81. Galerida cristata. (Crested Lark.) “Goubah,” Arab. 
In the north of the Sahara. Further south its place is sup¬ 
plied by its congeners. 
82. Galerida abyssinica ; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245. (Abys¬ 
sinian Crested Lark.) 
The commonest Lark of the Desert, though scarcer in the 
southern districts. It differs only in colour from the G. cristata , 
being of a rufous isabel hue on the upper parts, with darker 
lines down the centre of each feather. Its eggs resemble pale 
varieties of its congener. 
83. Galerida isabellina; Bp. Consp. Av. p. 245. (Isabel- 
line Crested Lark.) 
This very distinct variety is far less abundant than the last, 
being confined to the most desolate districts. It is much 
smaller, shorter by at least an inch, with its hues more uniformly 
pallid, and the darker mark down the centre of each feather 
almost obliterated. Its bill is of similar proportions, in no way 
differing from that of G. cristata. I do not find the remark of 
