The Black Lark — Melanocorypha Yeltoniensis (Forster)
This species inhabits South Russia, Transcaspia, and Western Siberia. In the winter of 1906 a small flock, consisting of both males and females, arrived in Sussex, being presumably driven westwards owing to the severity of the weather.
The male has the entire plumage jet black, but in winter this colour is largely obscured by broad sandy margins to the feathers. The female is pale sandy brown with darker markings, under parts white, spotted on the throat and breast. Length about 7·7 in.; wing 5·3 in.