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(Alauda pratensis, Linn.—La Farlouse, ou L'Alouette de prez, Buff.)
IS five inches and a half in length. The bill is black at the tip, and yellowish brown at the base; the eyes hazel, and over each is a pale streak. In the disposition of the colours it is very similar to the Skylark, but somewhat darker on the upper parts, and inclining to a greenish brown. The breast is beautifully spotted with black on a light yellowish ground; the belly light ash, obscurely streaked on the sides with dusky; the tail is almost black, the two outer feathers white on the exterior edges, the outermost but one tipped with a white spot on the end: the legs are yellowish; feet and claws brown. The plumage of the female is less bright than that of the male.
The Titlark is common in this Country; and, though it sometimes perches on trees, is generally found in meadows and low marshy grounds. It makes its nest of withered grass, commonly on the ground, but sometimes on the side of a brae: the nest is like that of the Rock Lark, but the eggs are different both in size and colour; the female lays five eggs, very closely freckled with deep brown: the young are hatched about the beginning of June. During the time of incubation, the male sits on a neighbouring tree, rising at times and singing. The Titlark is flushed with the least noise, and shoots with a rapid flight. Its note is fine, but short, and without much variety; it warbles in the air in humble imitation of the Skylark, and increases its song as it descends slowly to the branch on which it chuses to perch. It is further distinguished by the shake of its tail, particularly whilst it eats.
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