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PERCHING BIRDS. 
the sides of the head are marked with blackish brown, a creamy white stripe 
extending over and behind the eye; on each side of the upper part of the breast 
is a blackish brown patch; and the under-parts generally are white washed 
with buff. Individual specimens vary considerably in tint, some being more 
rufous or grey than others. 
The Caiandra This group comprehends a small assemblage of large, stout-billed 
harks. larks, characterised by black patches of feathers on each side of the 
breast. The wing has ten primaries, the first being very minute, and is very long, 
CALANDRA LARK (k liat. size). 
reaching nearly to the tip of the tail; the claw of the first toe being long and 
straight. This Old World group is chiefly found in Southern Europe, Algeria, 
Egypt, Nubia, and India; the Eastern representative of the Western bird inhabiting 
Northern China. 
common The caiandra {Melanocorypha caiandra) is one of the finest of 
caiandra. European songsters, which it would be difficult to overpraise, as it 
would also be difficult to exaggerate the beauty of its glorious song which is full 
of changes; although individuals vary in the proficiency of their vocal powers. 
In appearance, it somewhat recalls that of the corn-bunting. It is a heavily-built 
bird, and somewhat similar to the latter in shape, but it does not dangle its legs in 
the air when flying. A permanent resident in the south of France and Spain, in 
