THE WOODLARK. 
665 
this bird is six inches, and its breadth from wing to wing 
but a trifle over a foot. Its plumage, like that of its 
cousin, is a red brownish gray. It is met with through¬ 
out Europe from Sweden to Greece, Dalmatia and Italy, 
from the borders of Asia to Spain, though in the South 
it is only found during the winter, where it takes refuge 
from the rigour of a northern climate. I have seen these 
birds in winter near Madrid in large flocks, sad and silent, 
as indeed are all birds who migrate to foreign lands. In 
spite of its extensive distribution it is but little known, 
probably owing to its affecting desert spots comparatively 
unfrequented by man. One may seek for it in vain 
amongst the fruitful fields, in broad plains, in the green¬ 
wood or in the pine forest: it lives on heaths and barren 
wastes, where no other songster is to be found. After 
the breeding season is over both young and old birds seek 
the new-mown meadows, and while migrating visit the 
fallows and stubbles of the plains, for the Wood Lark only 
travels in short stages of a day at a time, so as to enable it 
to pick up a scanty meal of small beetles and tiny seeds. 
The habits of the Wood Lark would strike any one. 
“It is,” says my father, “quick and agile in its move¬ 
ments, for though trustful and confiding when it meets 
with good treatment, it is shy and cautious if pursued 
and tormented, or even if in fear of molestation. It runs 
nimbly amongst the sparse herbage of the heath, with 
crest erect and the breast carried well forward, not 
seeking in any way to hide itself. If, however, a 
Sparrowhawk or Hobby makes his appearance, the Wood 
Lark immediately squats close to the ground in some 
convenient hollow, when it is with difficulty distinguished 
from the surrounding soil; in this manner it generally 
manages to elude the passing danger. 
