nostrils small, opening laterally, not covered either by bristles or feathers, but
bounded superiorly by a prominent bare membranous lid. Ear-coverts, wiry
and decomposed. Wings rounded, and, when folded, reach to the commencement
of the second half of the ta il: the first quill rudimentary, the third
and fourth equal and longest, the fifth almost the same length, the sixth a
little shorter and but very little longer than the second ; the longest of the
tertiary quill feathers about two lines shorter than the six primary quil]
feathers. Tail feathers nearly of equal length. Legs and toes rather robust,
the former scutellated anteriorly and externally, internally towards hinder
edge entire. Claws of toes directed anteriorly, slightly curved, and of
moderate length; the claw of hinder toe, long, strong, slightly curved, and
directed obliquely upwards and backwards.
DIMENSIONS.
Id. Lines. In. Lines.
Length from the point of the bill to the Length of the tarsus .... ................ ..... 1 1
'7 9 ........................ 0 4£
from the point of the bill to the angle middle toe ........................ 0 6
of the mouth................................ 1 2 inner toe __ ........................ 0 4
6
of the wings, when folded .............. 4 2 hinder claw ........................ 0 4f
The colours of the male are rather brighter than those of the female ; in
other respects, the external appearances are the same.
Inhabits arid plains in the interior of Southern Africa, and when disturbed in one place
flies to another not very distant. It has but few of the habits of the larks.