Anthus campestris, BECHSTEIN; La Spipolette, BUFFON; Die
Brachpieper, BECHSTEIN.
In figure it is more slender than the sky-lark; the plumage resembles
that of the crested lark, and the form that of the titlark. Its length
is six inches and a half. The beak is strong and long, the line above
the eyes distinctly marked, the breast yellowish white, with but few
rays or lines. In summer it frequents marshy woods, in autumn the edges
of the fields, high roads, and meadows, where it may be easily caught
with the night-net. Its only known song is its constant cry "_tsirru_"
and "_datsida_" while revolving in the air. It departs in September and
returns in April. Its food is the same as that of the titlark; it also
requires the same treatment when in confinement if it should be wished
to keep it, but it has no qualities to make this desirable.