The TUFTED LARK (_Galerita cristata_) may be regarded as holding an
intermediate position, by reason of the comparative strength of its
beak, the shape of which, however, points it out as belonging to the
Larks Proper; it is, moreover, easily recognisable by its compact body
and tolerably strong feet, furnished with an almost straight claw upon
the hinder toe, also by its large head and blunt wings, lax plumage,
and, above all, by the crest it bears upon the vertex. The plumage is
extremely various, and we are as yet unable to decide whether this
diversity indicates distinct species, or is to be attributed to other
causes; suffice it to say that these alterations in the colouring are
usually accompanied by very observable differences both in the song
and manners of the birds. We shall not here attempt to enter into a
discussion on this point, but shall only observe that in one part of
Egypt, where the soil is very dark, a species of Lark is found which,
from the depths of its hues, has been called _Galerita nigricans_, whilst
in the desert, not a mile from the same spot, a similar bird is met with
almost of a golden colour. We mention this to show that in such a case
the climate can in no way be the cause for so great a dissimilarity. In
this group, therefore, every variety of tint, from deep yellowish grey to
pale whitish yellow, may frequently be seen in birds apparently belonging
to the same species. The Tufted Lark, so frequently met with in Germany,
is usually reddish grey upon the upper part of its body; the throat is
pale yellowish white, the rest of the under portion is brownish yellow,
every feather being marked with a black line upon its shaft, except
those upon the throat, wings, and a streak which passes over the eyes;
the wings and tail-feathers are black or dark brown, bordered with rusty
red. In the young birds, all the feathers upon the upper part of the coat
are edged with white, and spotted at the tip with a dark shade; the eye
is brown, the upper mandible deep grey, the lower one light grey, and
the feet red. The length of this species is about six and three quarter
inches, its breadth twelve and a half inches, the wing three and three
quarter inches, and the tail two and a half inches. The female is not
quite so large as her mate. We shall speak of this group collectively,
as relates to their habits and mode of life, for what applies to one
applies to all. The Tufted Larks are spread extensively over the whole
of Europe, Central and Southern Asia, and Africa, being most numerous
in the southern parts, where they not only inhabit the villages, but
also frequent mountains and barren plains; whilst, as we have already
mentioned, those of Africa are as constantly seen in the desert as in
the cultivated districts. In Europe they may be considered as constant
winter visitors to our barns and houses, hopping about them in company
with Sparrows and Finches in the hope of obtaining food. Except during
the period of incubation, all are quiet, unobtrusive birds, easily
distinguished from our Field Lark by their crest, which is always held
erect upon the head, but closely resembling their congeners in their
flight and movements upon the ground. Their song is sweet and silvery in
its tone, and though somewhat melancholy, is much admired; many esteem
the species found in the desert as the most gifted in this respect,
but we imagine this merely to proceed from the fact that any pleasing
sounds have a double charm when heard amidst the gloom of those dreary
and usually silent wastes. Seeds, tender shoots, and insects constitute
their principal food, the latter also forming the principal nourishment
of the young birds. The nest, which is built in fields, vineyards, or
gardens, is placed upon the ground, and so well concealed as to be not
easily found, though often situated in localities much frequented by
man. The eggs are yellow or reddish white, marked with numerous grey or
yellow brown spots; the first brood consists of from four to six eggs,
the second seldom of more than three or four. Both sexes assist in the
work of incubation, taking their place upon the eggs by turns; the young
are hatched in about a fortnight, and are carefully tended by both
parents; they remain close to the nest until they can fly with ease,
taking refuge within it in case of danger. Compared with many members of
the Lark family, the birds belonging to this group may be said to live in
safety from the pursuit of man, as their flesh is not much esteemed as an
article of food.
[Illustration: THE TUFTED LARK (_Galerita cristata_).]