Alauda Calandra, LINNÆUS; La Calandre, BUFFON; Die Kalander,
BECHSTEIN.
Larger than the common lark, the Calandra is also furnished with a
shorter and stronger beak, which enables it to shell its grain; in other
respects the plumage, the form, and manners, are the same, the only
difference being a very distinct and apparent spot on the lower part of
the neck. The male is distinguished by being larger and blacker round
the neck; the female has a very narrow collar, and sometimes none at
all; some individuals, old ones doubtless, have a large black mark at
the top of the breast. The tail is black, according to Linnæus, while in
the preceding it is brown.
HABITATION.--It appears that this species has much resemblance to the
preceding; but it does not inhabit the North; it is found in Syria,
Italy, Sardinia, and Provence: it is also said to frequent Carolina,
in America.
In confinement it must be furnished with a long cage, the top made of
linen, because it hops and jumps about a great deal, especially at
first. It must be fed like the other larks.
BREEDING.--It builds on the ground like the sky-lark, and lays four or
five eggs. In order to have calandras which sing well, they must be
bred up from the nest, and be fed in the same manner as the young of
the sky-lark species; this is how they breed them in Provence.
MODE OF TAKING.--In the countries where it is found, the plan consists
in spreading a net near the water where it drinks; this method is
considered the best.
ATTRACTIVE QUALITIES.--Its song is so admired in Italy, that "to sing
like a calandra" is a common expression for to "sing well." It also
possesses the talent of imitating, like the sky-lark, the songs of
many birds, such as the goldfinch, the linnet, the canary, and even
the chirp of young chickens, the cry of the cat, in short, all sounds
adapted to its organs, and which may be acquired when they are
flexible.