203 
1921.] Birds of Macedonia, 
Some of the nests situated on the hillsides had very little 
cover. The young birds enjoyed themselves in the tobacco 
patches after leaving the nest and kept in broods even when 
full-grown. The high-pitched voice (i. e. the call-note) was 
heard never so commonly as when the snow was deep. In 
the winter the species established very intimate relations 
with the troops, and we had regular visitors to our bivouacs 
and huts for the table-scraps. 
Like Alanda arvensis this bird mounts into the air 
and sings aloft, but its performance on these occasions 
differs a good deal from that of the better-known bird. 
The Crested Lark does not soar in a steadfast manner, 
nor does it remain for a long period poised on quiver¬ 
ing wings. It appears to wander into the. air rather 
aimlessly and does not attain the altitude usual to the 
Skylark. It does not remain in the air for any length of 
time, nor does it mount with any great frequencj^. In one 
point, however, the two species are almost alike, for both 
birds drop abruptly when nearing the ground—cutting the 
song short. In the hot weather these Larks run about 
with dragging wings and gaping beaks. The heaps of mule 
dung and associated clouds of insects attract large numbers. 
A word as to the usual tactics employed in battle. First, 
the two birds face each other and make sundry “ feints 5 ’ in 
a manner that is good to see. Both then jump upwards and 
meet in the air with a slight collision. A short chase 
follows. Some of the combats last a considerable time and 
take the principals a long way from the starting-point. The 
voice is very Lark-like with a specific note easily detected. 
The syllables used and the tone of the voice are not unlike 
those of the Skylark, but when compared with this bird the 
Crested Lark is very unmusical. There is no persistence or 
quality in the song. When the bitter Vardar winds were 
blowing across the plain and the passing skeins of Geese 
were the only other signs of bird-life, the Crested Lark could 
always be seen running along the snowy parapet searching 
for our table scraps ; at times the little bird would squat right 
down on its tarsi, and with crest erected to its fullest extent 
P 2 
