The SENTRY LARK (_Macronyx capensis_) has received its name from the
peculiar cry that it utters when disturbed, which sounds exactly like
the _Qui vive!_ employed as a challenge by French soldiers on guard. The
plumage of this species is more variegated than that of almost any other
Lark, the feathers upon the back being deep grey, edged with a lighter
tint, and the exterior tail-feathers of a whitish shade half way up the
inner web; the lower part of the body is of almost uniform reddish brown;
a streak over the eyes is deep orange, as is the throat, the latter being
surrounded by a black line; the eye is reddish brown, the beak dark
grey, and the feet of a yellowish shade. The plumage of the female is
paler, and the spur upon the foot smaller than in the male. The length
of this bird is about seven inches, the wing four, and the tail two and
three-quarter inches.
We learn from Le Vaillant that the Spur Lark is found abundantly
throughout the whole of Southern Africa, where it principally frequents
grassy plains, or the immediate vicinity of streams or brooks. The nest,
which is formed of fine roots or similar materials, is concealed under a
bush, and the brood consists of three or four blueish-white eggs, marked
with reddish-brown spots, most thickly strewn over the broad end. The
flesh of this species of Lark is much esteemed as an article of food by
the settlers in South Africa.
* * * * *
The COURSER LARKS (_Alæmon_) may be regarded as the connecting link
between the Larks and the Cursorial birds. Their bodies are much
elongated, the beak remarkably long, weak, and perceptibly curved; the
tarsus is double the length of the middle toe and nail; the tail is long,
and straight at its extremity, and the wing comparatively short, the
second, third, fourth, and fifth quills being longer than the rest.