178 NEW ZEALAND NATURE-STUDY BOOK 
grow rapidly and are soon clothed with a warm covering 
of feathers. At the end of three weeks’ time or less, they 
are sufficiently strong and well-grown to leave the nest. 
The old birds continue to look after them until they are 
able to take care of themselves. 
Fig. 111.—The Skylark. 
The Sky-lark. The body of the Sky-lark is brown, 
with a light-grey throat, and breast marked with brown 
spots. The wings are long and streaked with black. 
Altogether the colouring of the bird is such as to resemble 
its surroundings, and serves a very important means of 
protection. 
Its feet differ considerably from those of the Thrush— 
the toes lie flat on the ground, the back toe ending in a 
long claw. The bird is evidently adapted for a life spent. 
