search | about the author | about the text
(Alauda arborea, Linn.—L'Alouette de bois, Buff.)
THIS bird is somewhat smaller than the Field Lark: the colours of its plumage are much the same, but on the upper parts paler, and not so distinctly defined: a white streak passes from the bill over each eye nearly to the nape; the under parts are white, tinged with yellow on the throat, and red on the breast, and spotted with black. The tail is shorter than that of other Larks, which gives this bird a less tall and slender shape: the legs are dull yellow; the hinder claw very long, and somewhat curved.
The Woodlark is generally found near the borders of woods, from which it derives its name; it perches on trees, and sings during the night, so as sometimes to be mistaken for the Nightingale; it likewise sings as it flies, and builds its nest on the ground, similar to that of the Skylark. The female lays five eggs, of a dusky hue, marked with brown spots. It builds very early, the young, in some seasons, being able to fly about the latter end of March. It makes two nests in the year, like the Skylark, but is not nearly so numerous as that bird.
Page last modified 10/6/2000.
These pages are best viewed/printed with Internet Explorer, the browser that you're not using right now....
Like this page? Let me know. Hate it? Let me know that too. Click here to offer feedback.
©1999-2002 The edited materials, images, and photographs on this site should not be reproduced without the written permission of Peter Friesen. Contact peter.friesen@plattsburgh.edu for information.
