. Cassell's book of birds . their long wings, short tails, and thecheerful coloration of their plumage. PASSERINE BIRDS. 197 THE CALANDRA Calandra Lark [Melanocorypha Calandrd), which we select as the type of this group, isthe most celebrated of all the species inhabiting Southern Europe. It exceeds most of its congenersin size, the length of its body being from seven to eight inches, its breadth fifteen to seventeen inches,the wing five and a quarter inches, and the tail two and a half inches. The plumage is of a reddishbrown, marked with black along its upper portion; the feathers o
. Cassell's book of birds . their long wings, short tails, and thecheerful coloration of their plumage. PASSERINE BIRDS. 197 THE CALANDRA Calandra Lark [Melanocorypha Calandrd), which we select as the type of this group, isthe most celebrated of all the species inhabiting Southern Europe. It exceeds most of its congenersin size, the length of its body being from seven to eight inches, its breadth fifteen to seventeen inches,the wing five and a quarter inches, and the tail two and a half inches. The plumage is of a reddishbrown, marked with black along its upper portion; the feathers on the wing-covers are tipped withwhite, thus producing the effect of two distinct white lines; the shoulder-feathers are bordered withwhite, and the exterior tail-feathers entirely of that hue. The under parts of the body are whitishyellow, streaked with brown along the upper portion of the breast, and the sides of the neck aremarked with an irregular black spot; the eyes are light brown, the beak and feet horn colour. The. THE CALANDRA LARK [Melanecorypfta Calandra). coat of the young bird is of a reddish yellow upon the back, the individual feathers being edged witha paler shade. The head is marked with round spots, and with one irregular, pale black patch. These birds abound in Southern Europe, and occasionally in the south-eastern parts of ourcontinent; they are also met with in Central Asia, North America, Northern Africa, India, andChina, being very numerous in the latter country. In Asia the Calandra Lark almost exclusivelyinhabits the boundless steppes, whilst in other parts of the world it shows no particular preference asto situation, frequenting agricultural districts or ban-en tracts with equal impartiality. Though usuallyof a social disposition, it separates itself from the rest of its companions during the breeding season,and watches over its little partner with most jealous care; as soon, however, as the labours of incu-bation are accomplished the various couples
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