William Edwin Brooks

“ In the shape of the foot and proportionate length of tarsus and hind claw, to the size of the bird, C. rufula strongly resembles C. Richardi. As Blyth justly remarks, one bird is an exact miniature of the other. But C. striolata has a shorter tarsus in proportion, more slender, and the foot is of much less proportionate spread : the hind claw too is shorter, and much more curved and slender. A few dimensions here will not be out of place. ”

“ It was then possible to creep up within shot. In the same vetch fields, and also in the higher paddy fields all around were numbers of Corydalla striolata, and a few Corydalla rufula. Both these latter species are much more numerous all over this part of Bengal than C. Richardi. It is C. striolata which rises with the loud discordant note; and by the vote alone it is easy to distinguish this species, so utterly unlike is it to that of any other pipit. C. Richardi and C. striolata are two pipits of wonderfully the same coloration, and of almost the same linear dimensions. ”

“ The flight is very undulating and strong. Of all small birds this one is the most difficult to shoot, from its excessive shyness; and unless the ground permits of a successful stalk, an approach within shot of a small bird gun, such as I use, is almost impossible. ”