THE FALLOW-LAND PIPIT (Agrodroma campestris).
THE FALLOW-LAND PIPIT (Agrodroma campestris).
THE FALLOW-LAND PIPIT (Agrodroma campestris).
"The Stone Pipit (Agrodroma campestris)," says Jerdon, "is found in suitable places in India. I have found it most abundant in the Deccan, at Mhoa, in Central India, and on the EasternGhauts; it is rare in the Carnatic. Blyth has it from Midnapore and the North-western Provinces. It frequents barren, open, stony land, and is never found in rich pastures. It breeds in this country (India). In Palestine it is recorded as frequenting the lower plains and hills."
WREN AND WAGTAILS.
WREN AND WAGTAILS.
WREN AND WAGTAILS.
The SPURRED PIPITS (Corydalla) are recognisable by their large size, pointed wing (in which the three first quills are of equal length), their long tail, incised at its extremity, and high slender foot, the hinder toe of which is furnished with a claw of great length.
RICHARD'S SPURRED PIPIT.
RICHARD'SSPURREDPIPIT(Corydalla Richardii).—The mantle of this species is of a dull brown, each feather having a light edge; the region of the cheeks, a stripe over the eye, and the entire under side are yellowish white, shaded with grey upon the breast; the sides of the throat are white, decorated with oval, dark brown spots; the centre quills are greyish brown, broadly shaded with light reddish grey on the inner web; the outer web of the first quill is almost white, the rest shade gradually into reddish yellow; the middle tail-feathers are brownish black, the others, like those of the wing, become gradually lighter, the outer feathers being nearly entirely white. The summer plumage is deeper in tint, and the edgings to the feathers more clearly defined than at other seasons. The eye is brown, the upper mandible dark brown, the lower one yellow towards its base; the feet are yellowish brown. This bird is from seven inches and a half to eight inches long, and twelve inches and a half broad; the wing measures three inches and four-fifths, and the tail three inches and a quarter.
The Spurred Pipits frequent Great Britain, Spain, France, Italy, Austria, Greece, and Sardinia, but are never seen in large numbers; they are also occasionally found in Heligoland; and Jerdon informs us that during the winter they are met with in the Himalayas, Bengal, Nepaul, Ceylon, Burmah, and other parts of India; at the latter season, according to Swinhoe, they are also numerous in Central China. We ourselves have never succeeded in finding the true Corydalla in either Spain or Africa. Marshes, boggy districts, and the grassy margins of ponds or streams, are the localities to which they resort. Jerdon tells us that they particularly frequent rice-fields, always associating in small parties. Their flight is light, graceful, and undulating. The nest, which is very flat, and placed in a hollow or hole in the ground, is formed of stalks woven together with fibres. The eggs, usually laid about May, are oval, glossy, and of a delicate blueish white, spotted with blueish grey, yellowish brown, or dark brown, and occasionally spotted and streaked with brownish grey; they much resemble those of the Meadow or Rock Pipit. We learn from Jerdon that a large number of these birds are sold in the markets of Calcutta, and passed off as Ortolans.
This species was first found in England by N. Vigors, Esq., in 1812, since which time a few other specimens have been seen in different parts of the island. According to Yarrell, "The habits of the Spurred Pipit—as far as the peculiarities of so rare a bird can be known, for it is equally scarce on the Continent—are said to be very similar to those of other Pipits. It is mostly observed on the ground, frequenting old pastures, where it stands very high and runs with facility, waving the tail up and down, with a gentle airy motion, like that observed in the Wagtails, while its long hind claw, but slightly curved, connects it with the Larks; it has, like them, an agreeable song."
The WAGTAILS (Motacillæ) are readily distinguished from the Pipits by the comparative slenderness of their shape; their legs are high and thin, the wings of medium size, the third quill longer than the rest, and the secondaries scarcely longer than the primaries; the tail is very long, composed of narrow feathers, and often forked at its extremity. The beak is slender, straight, and awl-shaped, with a ridge at its culmen, and slightly incised at its tip. The plumage is much variegated, differs somewhat according to the sexes, and is twice moulted.
The various members of this family inhabit the eastern hemisphere, and within its limits are met with in every latitude; most species prefer the immediate vicinity of water, but some few often seek their food in comparatively arid situations, returning, however, within a few hours to their usual haunts. The movements of the Wagtails are characterised by considerable liveliness and grace, they are neither so hurried nor so rapid as those of the Pipits. Upon the ground they generally walk witha thoughtful, deliberate bearing, bowing the head at each step, and agitating the tail so incessantly as to entitle them to the name by which they are commonly known. Their flight is light and undulatory, being produced by a rapid opening and closing of the wings, and their song, though by no means powerful, is simple and pleasing. Flies, beetles, and larvæ of all kinds afford them their principal means of subsistence; these they not only seek upon the ground, but pursue them to a considerable distance through the air. The northern species migrate as far as Central Africa and India; others only wander somewhat farther south, but few remain throughout the entire year in their native land. The nest, which is carelessly formed of twigs, roots, straw, grass, moss, and dry leaves, is lined internally with wool, or some similar material, and is constructed in holes or hollows in the vicinity of water; if no stream or pond is at hand, a mere pool will often satisfy the requirements of the building pairs. The eggs have a thin, finely-spotted, light grey shell. The nestlings, when first fledged, entirely differ from the parents in their appearance.
Most species of Wagtail exhibit a decided predilection for the immediate neighbourhood of man, whose favour they almost invariably obtain by their confiding and lively disposition.
THE WHITE WAGTAIL.
The WHITEWAGTAIL(Motacilla alba) is grey upon the mantle, the nape is of velvety blackness, the throat and upper part of breast are also black, the rest of the under side brown, while the bridles, cheeks, and sides of the throat are white; the quills are black, edged with whitish grey; the centre tail-feathers are black, the rest white. The female resembles her mate, but the black patch upon her throat is of smaller size. After the moulting season both sexes have a white patch upon the throat, surrounded by a horseshoe-shaped black line. The young are of a dull grey above, and grey or dirty white beneath, with the exception of a dark line on the throat. The eyes of all are deep brown, the beak and feet black. This species is seven inches and a half long, and ten inches and two-thirds broad; the wing measures three inches and a quarter and the tail three inches and three-quarters.
The White Wagtail is found in every part of Europe; in Africa as far as eleven degrees north latitude; and in Asia as far south as Aden; it appears in Europe about March, and leaves again in October or December. Like other members of its family this species frequents the neighbourhood of water, and lives in a state of continual restlessness; even when the bird is not running to and fro, the tail is constantly agitated. Its movements closely resemble those of other Wagtails, and its song is agreeable but very simple. Although social as regards their own kind, these birds always exhibit a most pugnacious and daring disposition towards the rest of their feathered companions, whatever their size or powers; indeed, so entirely are they free from any timidity, or sense of inferiority, that they often combine in parties, and pursue really large birds of prey, meanwhile uttering such loud cries as warn the whole neighbourhood of the impending danger; the enemy having been routed the party separate, after noisily expressing their pleasure at the feat they have accomplished. Insects and larvæ afford them their principal means of subsistence; it is not uncommon to see these bold birds seize their prey from under the very feet of the cattle as they graze, or follow the footsteps of the ploughman as he turns up the earth. The pairing season is inaugurated by desperate battles between the rival males, who confront each other upon the ground and fight till one or the other is compelled to quit the field. No sooner has the victor obtained undisputed possession of his prize, than his whole demeanour changes, and he becomes as tender and gentle as he was before fierce and quarrelsome. Each couple takes possession of a particular spot, and within its limits make their nest, placing it indifferently in the most diverse situations. The little structure is formed of twigs, roots, and grass, hay, leaves, and a great variety of similar materials, and lined with wool, hair, or other equally elastic substances. The first brood is laid in April, and consists of from six to eight eggsof a grey or blueish white hue, thickly spotted and streaked with grey; the second batch of eggs is produced in June. The female alone broods, but both parents assist in the business of feeding the hungry nestlings, who grow with great rapidity, and are soon able to take care of themselves. In the autumn young and old again assemble, and pass the night in reed-covered marshy localities, in company with Swallows and Starlings; as the season advances these parties increase to large flocks, which during the day fly from one ploughed field or pasture to another, always keeping in a direct course towards their winter quarters, and, when night has set in, they rise together into the air, and, amid loud outcries, start forth upon their long and wearisome pilgrimage.
THE WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba).
THE WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba).
THE WHITE WAGTAIL (Motacilla alba).
"The belief expressed in the first part of this work," says Mr. Yarrell, in his third edition of his valuable work on British Birds, "that this species is the trueMotacilla albaof Linnæus, has been verified in several instances; the coloured figures and descriptions of Swedish and other Continental authors leave us no room to doubt, and when the subject has been further investigated, it will probably be found that the present species is the realMotacilla alba, and therefore called the White Wagtail. It is only a summer visitor to Britain, while many of the better known Pied Wagtails remain with us all the year."
In the south of Sweden, where this Wagtail appears about the time the ice is breaking up, it is called "Is Spjärna"—literally, the "kicker away of the ice." In some places it goes also by the name of the "Kök Ärla," or the "Clod Wagtail," because it is so constantly seen amongst the clods in thenewly-ploughed fields. There is, moreover, a saying in parts of Sweden, that if the farmer commences ploughing either before the coming or after the departure of the White Wagtail, success will not attend his labours.
THE PIED WAGTAIL.
The PIEDWAGTAIL(Motacilla Yarrelli) was formerly supposed to be identical with the bird just described. Mr. Gould, who first decided that the two species were quite distinct, thus discriminates between them, in a communication to theMagazine of Natural History:—"The Pied Wagtail of England is somewhat more robust in form than the trueMotacilla alba, and in its summer dress has the whole of the head, chest, and back of a full, deep jet-black; while in the White Wagtail (Motacilla alba), at the same period, the throat and part of the head alone are of this colour, the back and the rest of the upper surface being of a light ash-grey. In winter the two species more nearly assimilate in their colouring; and this circumstance has doubtless been the cause of their being hitherto considered identical, the black back ofMotacilla Yarrellibeing grey at this season, although never so light as inMotacilla alba. An additional evidence of their being distinct (but which has doubtless contributed to the confusion) is, that the female of our Pied Wagtail never has the back black, as in the male; this part, even in summer, being dark grey, in which respect it closely resembles the other species."
"The Pied Wagtail of this country," says Mr. Yarrell, "though a very common bird, is deservedly admired for the elegance of its form, as well as for the activity and airy lightness exhibited in all its actions. It is ever in motion, running with facility by a rapid succession of steps in pursuit of its insect food, moving from place to place by short undulating flights, uttering a cheerful chirping note while on the wing, alighting again on the ground with a sylph-like buoyancy and a graceful fanning motion of the tail, from which it derives its name. It frequents the vicinity of ponds and streams, moist pastures, and the grass-plots of pleasure-grounds; may be frequently seen wading in shallow water seeking for various aquatic insects or their larvæ; and a portion of a letter sent me lately by William Rayner, Esq., of Uxbridge, who keeps a variety of birds in a large aviary near his parlour window for the pleasure of observing their habits, seems to prove that partiality to other prey besides aquatic insects, has some influence in the constant visits of Wagtails to water. "I had," says that gentleman, "during the year 1837, several Wagtails, the pied and yellow, both of which were very expert in catching and feeding on minnows which were in a fountain in the centre of the aviary. These birds hover over the water, and, as they skim the surface, catch the minnow as it approaches the top of the water in the most dexterous manner; and I was much surprised at the wariness and cunning of some Blackbirds and Thrushes in watching the Wagtails catch the minnows, and immediately seizing the prize for their own dinner."
The nest of our Pied Wagtail is formed of moss, dead grass, and fibrous roots, lined with hair and a few feathers. It is sometimes placed on the bare ground on a ditch bank, sometimes in a hole of a wall, or thatch of an outbuilding, and it is frequently fixed in the side of a wood-stack or hay-rick; occasionally it has been found occupying a cavity in a peat-stack or a wall of turf sod, but always in the vicinity of water. The eggs are four or five in number, white, speckled with ash-colour, nine lines in length and seven lines in breadth.
Mr. Jesse, in his "Gleanings in Natural History," records an instance of a Water Wagtail building her nest in one of the workshops of a manufactory at Taunton:—"The room was occupied by braziers, and the noise produced by them was loud and incessant. The nest was built near the wheel of a lathe, which revolved within a foot of it. In this strange situation the bird hatched four young ones; but the male not having accustomed himself to such company, instead of feeding thenestlings himself, as is usual, carried such food as he collected to a certain spot on the roof, from whence it was borne by his mate to the young. It is still more remarkable that she was perfectly familiar with the men into whose shop she had intruded, and flew in and out of it without fear. If, by chance, a stranger or any other of the persons employed in the same factory entered the room, she would, if in her nest, instantly quit it, or, if absent, would not return; the moment, however, that they were gone she resumed her familiarity."
THE DHOBIN.
The DHOBIN(Motacilla Dukhunensis) is the Indian representative of the species just described. During the summer this bird is pale grey on the back and scapulars, a supercilian streak, the nape, wings, centre feathers of the tail, the throat, and breast, are black; the eyebrows, a spot on the wings, the exterior tail-feathers, and belly are white, and the secondary quills are dark grey, bordered with white. In the winter the chin, throat, and region of the eye, are white, and only a small black spot is visible on the breast; the top of the head and nape are then grey. The eye is brown, and the beak and feet black. The length of this species is from seven inches and a half to eight inches; the wing measures three inches and five-eighths; and the tail four inches and three-quarters.
The Dhobin is met with throughout the whole of Ceylon and Southern and Central India, and is very common in the Deccan; it usually makes its appearance in October, and remains till March or April. It is at present unknown where this species breeds; and we have but little information respecting its habits, except that it lives in close proximity to houses, frequently entering within doors to seize the flies as they skim about the rooms; during the day it remains solitary, but in the evening goes with its companions to the margin of some stream or other piece of water, there to pass the night.
This bird closely resembles theMotacilla albaof Europe, but is distinguished by its great ear patch, and by the blackness of the ear-feathers, and of the neck all round. "This Wagtail," says Jerdon, "is found throughout Southern and Central India, extending into the North-western Provinces, Sindh, the Punjaub, andAfghanistan. Adams, however, says that he did not see it in Peshawur, and that the former species is the Common Wagtail of Cashmere. It is also found in Ceylon. It is not very abundant in the extreme south of the peninsula, but is very common in the Deccan and in Central India, coming in about the middle of October and leaving in March or April. It is a very familiar bird, feeding close to houses, stables, and in gardens; often, indeed, entering verandahs, and coming into an open room if not disturbed. It runs about briskly after small insects, and is very active in catching the flies that infest the vicinity of stables and outhouses. A small party of these birds may often be seen towards evening on the bank of a river or tank, though, when feeding, they are usually solitary."
THE ROCK WAGTAIL.
The ROCKWAGTAIL(Motacilla Lichtensteinii) inhabits the valley of the Nile, and frequents such parts of that river as are traversed by rocks or huge masses of stone. Its plumage is simple but striking in its coloration; the entire mantle, sides of throat, and breast, are of a rich deep black; a stripe over the eyes, a patch on the throat, a spot on the wing-covers, the exterior tail-feathers, and under side are white; the eye is brown; the beak and feet black. In its movements this species closely resembles those of its family already described, but is distinguished from them by its habit of frequenting such portions of rock or stone as are entirely surrounded by water; in Nubia it is very common, but is rarely met with in any but the most stony districts. According to our own experience the Rock Wagtail lives in pairs, each couple keeping within the limits of its own domain, and violently resenting any attempt at intrusion. Like the rest of their brethren these birds areextremely quarrelsome, and live in a state of constant warfare with such of the northern species as take up their winter quarters in their vicinity. The nests which we found were always situated in holes or clefts in the rocks.
THE MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL.
The MOUNTAINWAGTAIL(Calobates sulphurea) represents a group of Wagtails recognisable by their comparatively short wings, long tail, and delicate beak; the sexes also differ in the coloration of their plumage. During the spring the male is deep grey upon the back and sulphur-yellow on the under side; the black throat is divided from the grey back by a white line, a similar streak passes above the eyes, and the wing is enlivened by two light grey stripes; when quite old the females resemble their mates, but the yellow under side is of a paler hue, and the black on the throat less pale; when young, the females have only a white or dingy grey spot on the throat. The young of both sexes are of a dull ash-grey above and yellowish grey beneath, the throat is greyish black, spotted with blackish grey; the eye is dark brown, the beak black, and the foot horn-grey. This species is seven inches and two-thirds in length, and its breadth is nine inches and three-quarters; the wing measures three inches and a quarter, and the tail four inches.
The Mountain Wagtail occupies not only European mountains, but those of Asia and Africa. It is comparatively rare in Northern Europe, but is numerously met with about the lofty peaks of its southern portions. The great extent of country over which this species is found is the more remarkable, because even such Mountain Wagtails as inhabit Central Europe either remain throughout the year in their native haunts, or merely wander for a comparatively short distance in a southerly direction. Bolle tells us that they are commonly seen in the Canary Islands; and Jerdon informs us that they appear in India in September, leaving again about the first week in May; this latter statement is worthy of notice from the fact that such as quit Europe at the approach of autumn do not leave us earlier than September, and return before May. The localities to which these birds usually resort are in the vicinity of mountain streamlets and lakes, but they are also frequently seen about meadows or upon house-tops, and in some countries evidently prefer the society of man. Their flight is light, rapid, and often long sustained; they move upon the ground with the utmost ease, turning their bodies about as they run, much after the fashion of an animated dancer. The tail is held slightly raised, in order to prevent it from getting wet, and great care is taken to prevent any part of the plumage from being soiled. So entirely are they without fear of man, that they not only freely venture close to his dwellings, but permit a friendly stranger to approach near to them, without quitting the spot on which they are perched. If, however, they feel that they are pursued, they at once become so timid as to render their capture extremely difficult. Their voice is deceptively like that of the White Wagtail. Two broods are produced within the year, the first in April, the second in July. During the whole period of incubation the demeanour of the male is very restless; he flutters hither and thither, flapping with his wings, and perches from time to time upon certain chosen spots, in order to pour out his song of rejoicing; at this season his vocal performance possesses unusual sweetness. The nest is placed near the water in holes under roots of trees, or amongst stones; it varies considerably both as to size and the care with which it is constructed; the outer wall is generally formed of roots, leaves, grass, or moss; upon this is arranged a second layer of somewhat finer materials, and the interior is neatly lined with hair, wool, or vegetable fibres. The eggs, from four to six in number, are of a dark grey or blueish white, veined and spotted with yellow or dark grey. The female usually broods, and exhibits such devotion to her progeny, that, when sitting, force must be employed to remove her from the nest. The young are very carefully nurtured.
This species is spread throughout all India and Ceylon; it is very generally met with in the hilly and wooded parts, but is rare in the open country, especially towards the south of India, the Carnatic, and the bare table-land; it is apparently most abundant in Bengal and the more northern districts.
THE MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Calobates sulphurea).
THE MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Calobates sulphurea).
THE MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (Calobates sulphurea).
"It occasionally," says Jerdon, "is to be seen on the banks of rivers, but is more generally found in gardens near houses, in towns and villages, and on walks in the forest, or where there is sufficient shelter. Mr. Blyth, who had abundant opportunities for observing it, says he has seen it tripping over the filthiest narrow black drains between hut and hut in the native town of Calcutta. It occasionally, though rarely, perches upon trees, and has the jerking motion of its tail more remarkably noticeable than any other member of the entire group, for it appears unable to keep it in repose even for a moment."
The SHEEP WAGTAILS (Budytes), a group of European birds, are recognisable from the other members of their family by their short tail, the straight long nail on the hinder toe, and the brilliancy of the plumage, which varies in the two sexes, insomuch that naturalists are undecided as to whether certain species of these Wagtails are distinct or identical.
THE COW OR MEADOW WAGTAIL.
The COWor MEADOWWAGTAIL(Budytes flavus) is blueish grey upon the head and nape, the back is olive-green, and under side bright yellow, the quills and tail are of a blackish hue, with light borders; a pale stripe passes above the eyes, and two yellow lines across the wings; in the female and young all the colours are fainter and greyer than in the male bird. The eye of all is dark brown, the beak black, the base of the lower mandible light blue, and the foot black.
The Meadow Wagtail is generally found in the central and northern parts of Europe; it frequents meadows and the banks of small streams, and feeds principally upon flies and aquatic insects. The nest is built in holes in meadow ground, or at the foot of trees; the eggs are six in number, with light flesh-coloured blotches. Gould supposes these birds, although not visiting England, to be numerous on the Continent. He received one that he tells us was shot in the neighbourhood of Paris, and in May specimens were killed in Sweden by N. C. Strickland, Esq. From the account of this gentleman, their manners are very different from those of our Yellow Wagtail, as they run about with the tail elevated, and the wings hanging down and spread. We have also received the bird from the Himalaya Mountains. The first British specimen was shot near Colchester by Mr. Henry Doubleday, who was attracted by observing a pair of birds together, long after the time that our Common Yellow Wagtail leaves the country. In 1836 two were seen near Edinburgh, and others have since been seen at intervals in different parts of England.
RAY'S WAGTAIL.
RAY'SWAGTAIL(MotacillaorBudytes Rayi)—the Yellow Wagtail, formerly calledMotacilla flava—so well known as a summer visitant to England, is very rare on the continent of Europe, where the preceding species, called by Continental authorsMotacilla flava, is found. Mr. Gould was the first to point out the difference between the two, and to assign to the British species the name of Ray's Wagtail, in memory of the distinguished naturalist by whom it was first observed.
"In Ray's Wagtail," says Yarrell, "the line over the eyes and ear-covers is yellow, and the back of the head is, I believe, invariably the same as the back of the bird; while, in the Grey-headed Wagtail, or Continental species, the white elongated line over the eyes and ear-covers appears to be permanent, and the grey head is more or less conspicuous at all seasons, particularly in summer. The females of the two species most resemble each other.
The Yellow Wagtail (B. Rayi) comes to us from the south, appearing at the end of March or beginning of April, and leaving us in September. It frequents ploughed fields and uncultivated ground covered with furze; it makes its nest both in arable land and fields of wheat and tares, and does not appear so partial to water as other species. "It frequents," says Mr. Yarrell, "dry fallows and fields of young corn, where, perched upon a clod or stone, it exhibits its rich yellow breast to great advantage." The nest, which is placed upon the ground, is formed of dry stalks and fibres, and lined with hair. The eggs, from four to six in number, somewhat resemble those of the Sedge Warbler; they are of a whitish hue, mottled with various shades of brown. The young begin to fly about the end of May, and from that time till the season for migration, may be seen following their parents in search of food, keeping so close to the feet of cattle and sheep as to be in constant danger. A writer quoted by Mr. Yarrell says, "I have seen whole parties of Yellow Wagtails running and dodging close to the cows' heads, apparently catching small insects. I suppose the cattle disturbed the flies which are the favourite food of this bird, and lodge in the grass, and which, as they arose, were caught by the watchful Wagtail, before they could secure their retreat. The call-note of this bird resembles that of other species, although more shrill than that of the WhiteWagtail; it consists of two notes, repeated in succession, the second of which is one whole tone lower than the other."
THE VELVET-HEADED OR SHEEP WAGTAIL.
The VELVET-HEADEDor SHEEPWAGTAIL(Budytes melanocephalus) is of a rich black upon the brow, top of the head, and region of the eye; the entire mantle is olive-colour, shaded with green; the under side is bright sulphur-yellow; the wings and centre tail-feathers are black, with light edges; and the wing-covers brownish black, bordered with white. The female is of an olive-green above and pale greyish yellow on the under side; the region of the ear is black. A remarkable variety inhabiting Great Britain is yellowish green on the top of the head and nape, but the rest of its plumage resembles that of the above-mentioned species. Both birds are from six to six and a half inches long, and from nine to ten broad; the wing measures from two inches and five-sixths to three inches and a quarter, and the tail two inches.
The Sheep Wagtails appear in Europe about May, and leave again in August or September. During the breeding season they usually frequent marshy districts, and the immediate vicinity of water, but at other times pass almost the entire day in pasture lands, near flocks of sheep or herds of cattle. Most members of this family breed in Greece and North Africa, but some few in the northern parts of Europe. The flight of all is light, and often remarkably rapid; they generally hover before alighting, or sink suddenly and directly earthward, with wings completely closed. Their song consists of a few insignificant piping notes. Although of a social temperament, they display during the breeding season a most quarrelsome and pugnacious disposition, pursuing and giving battle to every small bird that ventures to approach their dwelling-place. The nest is concealed among grass, corn, or water plants, and is usually made in a slight hollow in the ground; in form it resembles that of a Lark or Pipit; the walls are loosely constructed with fine roots, grass, dry leaves, and moss, and the interior lined with wool, horsehair, and feathers. The eggs, from four to six in number, have delicate shells, of a yellowish, reddish, or greyish hue, veined, spotted, and clouded with brown, yellow, violet, and grey. But one brood is produced in the year; the female alone undertakes the duty of incubation, and hatches the nestlings in about three days. Both parents exhibit the utmost anxiety about the safety of their little ones, and frequently betray their retreat by the cries of alarm which they utter on the approach of a stranger. Young and old remain together until they start forth on their winter excursions.
Jerdon is of opinion that from the description ofB. melanocephalusof Southern Europe, there is little doubt that it is identical with the Indian bird, which thus appears also to inhabit Northern Africa, South-eastern Europe, and Western Africa. "In India this Wagtail comes in towards the end of September, and does not quit the north of India, till the end of April or beginning of May. It is exceedingly abundant in every part of India, usually assembling in considerable flocks and feeding among cattle, picking up the insects disturbed by their feet while grazing. These birds also frequent damp meadow ground near rivers or tanks, grain fields, where they may be often put up with the so-called Ortolan (Calandrella brachydactyla) during the heat of the day, and, late in the season, they may always be seen taking advantage of any shade—a tree, stone, small clump or paling, to shelter them from the mid-day heat. Now and then a few may be seen about houses in gardens and roads, occasionally even perching on a housetop or paling, but very rarely on trees. Many are snared at Calcutta and elsewhere to be served up as Ortolan."
According to our own observations by far the greater number of these Wagtails pass the winter in Central Africa, and we have also seen them constantly in Egypt at that season, wandering about the pastures with the cattle, and even accompanying them to their drinking-places.
THE YELLOW-HEADED WAGTAIL.
The YELLOW-HEADEDWAGTAIL(Budytes citreolus), a native of Central Asia, is somewhat larger than the species above described. Its length is seven inches, its breadth ten and a half, the wing measures three inches and a half, and the tail three inches and one-third. The summer plumage of the male is of a bright citron-yellow on the head and entire under side; the nape and upper portion of the back are black, the centre of the back slate-grey, and the rump brownish black. The small feathers on the wing-covers are greyish brown, broadly edged with dark grey, the centre and large feathers are margined with broad white borders, which alone are visible; the primaries and lower secondaries have narrow white edges, and the upper secondaries a broad white border to the outer web; the eight central tail-feathers are brownish black, and those at the exterior almost entirely white. The eye is brown, the beak and feet black. The female, who is not so large as her mate, is yellow on the brow, and greyish green on the top of the head and nape; the back is dark grey, the rump deep slate-colour; the cheeks and under side are of paler yellow than in the male, and the white lines on the wings narrower and more clearly defined. The young are grey above, and white shaded with yellow on the under side. Radde informs us that some few of these birds are met with in the central parts of Western Siberia, and that further east they become very numerous. According to Jerdon they are found throughout India during the winter, and there, as elsewhere, frequent marsh-land or the immediate vicinity of water.
"This species," says Jerdon, "is remarkable for the great length of the hind claw. It is found all over India in the cold weather, being migratory, and probably breeding in North-eastern Europe and Northern Asia. It is not very abundant, and is never found in dry places, like the Indian Field Wagtail, but on the banks of lakes or rivers, and more particularly in swampy ground or in inundated rice-fields, apparently affecting concealment more than others of this group. It has been obtained in breeding plumage at Mussooree, and is then a very beautiful bird."
THE GOMARITA, OR GARDEN WAGTAIL.
The GOMARITA, or GARDENWAGTAIL(Nemoricola Indica), has been separated from the bird above described on account of the shortness of the claw on the hinder toe, and the peculiar coloration of its plumage. The upper part of the body is greenish brown, the under side yellowish white; a double band of black passes over the breast, and a white stripe above the eye; the blackish wings are decorated with two white lines, and a third stripe passes across the base of the primary quills; the centre tail-feather is brown, the next in succession are blackish, and those at the exterior white, but blackish at the root, and edged with brown on the outer web. The eye is brown, the upper mandible pale black, the lower mandible whitish; the foot is light yellow, shaded with purplish brown. This bird is six inches and a half long, and ten broad; the wing measures three inches and one-eighth, and the tail two inches and five-eighths.
The Garden Wagtails are found throughout India, Ceylon, China, and Japan; according to Jerdon they are comparatively rarely seen in Southern and Central India, but are very numerous on some of the surrounding islands. Everywhere they frequent woods, forests, shady gardens, and plantations, living in solitude except during the breeding season, after which they remain for some time assembled in small parties or families. These birds do not migrate, and they moult their feathers but once in the year. Layard tells us that the Gomarita, or "Dung Spreader," as this species is called in Ceylon, receives its name from its habit of seeking for insects in the droppings from the cattle.
"The Black-breasted Wagtail," writes Jerdon, "is found throughout the whole peninsula of India and Ceylon, but is common nowhere; it is indeed rare in the southern provinces and in thebare table-land of Central India, and is not recorded from the North-western Provinces nor the Himalayas. It extends to Arracan, Burmah, Malacca, and some of the Malayan islands, where it is much more common than in continental India. I have only procured it myself in my own garden and on the Malabar coast. It appears not uncommonly about Calcutta, and, according to Blyth, at all seasons. It is quite a wood-loving species, never being found in the open plains, nor, that I have seen, about rivers, being chiefly found in shady gardens and orchards, and in roads in the forests. It is usually solitary, and feeds on various insects. It has no seasonal change of colouring, and appears to be found, at all events in the more northern parts of India, all the year round."
The SWALLOW WAGTAILS (Enicurus) are large and powerfully-built birds, inhabiting India and the Malay Islands; they are easily distinguished from their European congeners, by their comparatively strong beak, more rounded wing, in which the secondary quills are not prolonged, and their robust feet. The beak is of moderate size, strong, straight, broad at its base, furnished with a keel at its culmen, and gently curved at its extremity, which is slightly incised; the toes are armed with very hooked claws, the fourth and fifth, sometimes the fifth and sixth, exceed the rest in length. The extremity of the tail is so deeply forked that the centre feather is not more than one-third as long as those at the exterior.
All the species of Swallow Wagtails with which we are acquainted inhabit mountain regions, and are numerously met with in their favourite resorts among the rocks. They are always found in the vicinity of streamlets or waterfalls, into which they frequently wade. In their habits they resemble other members of their family, and, except after the breeding season, live alone or in pairs.
THE MENINTING.
The MENINTING(Enicurus Leschenhaulti, orEnicurus coronatus) is black upon the upper part of the body, neck, and breast, and white upon the crest and under side; the black wings are decorated with a broad white stripe, the outer tail-feathers are pure white, the rest black, broadly tipped with white; the beak is black, and the foot yellow. The length of the body is about ten or eleven inches. The Meninting is an inhabitant of the Malay Islands, where it frequents the mountain regions, and is usually met with near shallow lakes or streams, at an elevation of from sixteen hundred to four thousand feet above the sea. Bernstein tells us that he saw one of these birds on the Pangerango, at an altitude of ten thousand feet, but this must be regarded as a very unusual occurrence. In disposition this species is gentle and timid, but, if unmolested, will allow a stranger to approach without testifying any alarm, merely flitting a few paces farther off should the intruder come too near the spot on which it is perched. When excited the Meninting raises its crest, repeatedly jerks its closed tail upwards, and then, spreading it like a fan, slowly lowers it. Its voice resembles that of the White Wagtail. The nest, which is invariably placed upon the ground at no great distance from water, is frequently made in a small hollow in the earth, this being lined with moss, upon which a layer of half-decayed leaves is arranged to form an elastic bed for the young family. The eggs are of a dull greenish or yellowish white, thickly marked with faint red, yellow, or light brown spots; these often form a wreath at the broad end. We have never found more than two eggs in a nest. The young are tended with great devotion by their parents, who, should danger be at hand, frequently betray the presence of their brood by uttering a gentle, long-sustained note of distress. The Meninting subsists upon worms and insects, seeking its food amongst the plants that border its favourite streams. It is very partial to water, and frequently wades therein when pursuing its prey.
The ACCENTORS (Accentores) may be regarded as forming the connecting link between thetrue Singing Birds and the strong-beaked granivorous races, more especially the Larks. They are recognisable by their powerful body, moderate-sized or long wing, in which the third or fourth quill exceeds the rest in length, as also by their short, broad tail, strong foot, armed with powerful toes, and much-curved claws. The conical awl-shaped beak turns inwards at its margins, and the nostrils are covered with a skin; the plumage is lax, and formed of feathers of a relatively large size; the sexes are alike in appearance, but the coloration of the young differs considerably from that of the adult birds. Only two species of Accentors can properly be regarded as European, the rest inhabit Asia, and are generally seen hopping over the ground or flying very low, in search of the insects, berries, or delicate seeds upon which they subsist; they never frequent lofty trees, or even tall shrubs, except during the breeding season, when the males occasionally perch upon low branches, whilst pouring out their, in most cases, very agreeable song. As winter approaches some species wander southward, while others merely quit the bleakest and most exposed peaks for their rocky fastnesses. Incubation takes place early in the spring, and two broods are generally produced in the course of the summer. Their nests are carefully and neatly built of moss and hay, and lined with some soft and elastic materials. The eggs, from three to six in number, are of greenish hue.
THE MENINTING (Enicurus coronatus).
THE MENINTING (Enicurus coronatus).
THE MENINTING (Enicurus coronatus).
The HEDGE SPARROWS, or HEDGE WARBLERS (Tharraleus, orAccentor), have a slender body, a comparatively weak and pointed beak, short, rounded wings, in which the fourth quill is the longest, a moderate-sized tail, straight or incised at its extremity, and a high foot.
THE HEDGE SPARROW, OR HEDGE WARBLER.
The TRUEHEDGESPARROW, or HEDGEWARBLER(Tharraleus modularis, orAccentor modularis), is six inches long and eight inches and one-sixth broad, the wing measures two inches and three-quarters, and the tail two inches and one-quarter. The female is considerably smaller than her mate. The plumage of the adult bird is of a dusky reddish brown, spotted with a still deeper shade on the shoulder and upper part of the back; the head, fore part of the throat, and breast are brownish grey, or slate-colour. In autumn the feathers on these parts have light edges; the belly is brownish yellow, darkly spotted, and the rump greyish brown; the outer web of the quills is reddish brown, striped once, in some instances twice, with a whitish hue; the tail is of an uniform greyish brown. The eye is light brown, the beak brown, and the foot reddish. The young are reddish yellow spotted with blackish brown on the mantle, and of a whitish hue spotted with greyish black on the centre of the belly. The Hedge Sparrow inhabits the whole of Europe, from sixty-four degrees north latitude as far south as the Pyrenees, Alps, and Balkan Mountains; it is only occasionally seen still farther north, but visits Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and Western Asia, regularly during its migrations. In Great Britain it remains throughout the entire year. For some time after their return to their native lands the Hedge Sparrows resort to the open country, and take up their quarters on bushes and hedges; previous to the breeding season, however, they retire to the shelter of their favourite fir or pine woods, or, though comparatively rarely, occupy groves of leafy trees; they also exhibit a decided preference for mountainous regions.
In Great Britain this brisk little bird is a common frequenter of gardens, orchards, or hedgerows, where it hops nimbly and almost incessantly from twig to twig, in search of the insects, larvæ, and seeds upon which it mainly subsists. According to Mr. Yarrell, it seldom or never touches fruit. During the winter it is a constant visitor to our farmyards and houses, and when the weather is severe is frequently reduced to seek a scanty supply of food from drains and gutters. All the movements of the Hedge Warbler are equally agile and rapid; it hops with the utmost alacrity over the surface of the ground, climbs and scrambles amid the thickest bushes with wonderful agility, and flies lightly and gracefully, not merely from bush to bush, but sometimes high into the air. Whilst in pursuit of food it usually prefers to keep within the shelter of the foliage, but when about to utter its short, sweet, and somewhat plaintive song, it perches upon a projecting branch at a considerable elevation, and, if alarmed, darts directly downwards into the innermost recesses of the brushwood or shrubs beneath. Mudie describes the voice of the Hedge Sparrow as being particularly plaintive in tone during the winter months, and remarks that in severe seasons it utters its peevish cry with an apparent feeling of suffering and desolation. The song of the males is often heard as early as January; and by the middle of February each has found a mate and retired to some quiet spot, in order to commence building operations. The nest, which is generally finished by the end of March, is loosely put together; it is formed exteriorly of moss and fibres, and within is neatly and carefully lined with interwoven horsehair and wool; both parents assist in the labour of building, and have generally completed their snug little abode by the middle of March: it is, however, exposed to danger and observation, being placed in a bush or hedge, without, as yet, the screen of leaves, and often is visited by the Cuckoo, with the view of depositing her progeny. The eggs, from four to six in number, are of a blueish green colour. The first brood is hatched in April, and a second is produced later in the season. Should the eggs be stolen from the nest, as is too frequently the case, thefemale will occasionally furnish a third brood. The young are hatched in about a fortnight, both father and mother sharing the tedium of incubation, and tending them with the utmost care and devotion until they are strong enough to seek their own food.
THE SIBERIAN ACCENTOR.
The SIBERIANACCENTOR(Tharraleus montanellus) is blackish brown upon the top of the head, bridles, and region of the eye; a broad yellowish white stripe passes over the eyebrow, and almost encircles the head; the nape is grey, and the back reddish brown, spotted with a deeper shade; the throat and lower tail-covers are whitish; the region of the crop and the upper part of the breast are deeply shaded with reddish yellow, and marked with crescent-shaped black spots; the sides of the breast are shaded with reddish yellow and reddish brown. The eye is pale yellowish brown, the mandibles greyish black, the lower one lightest at the base, the foot is of a dirty yellowish white. This species is from four inches and two-thirds to five inches and one-third long; the wing measures two inches and seven lines, and the tail about two inches and six lines. This beautiful bird inhabits Siberia, and has been found in Hungary, Dalmatia, and Italy.
THE ALPINE ACCENTOR.
The ALPINEACCENTOR(Accentor Alpinus) represents a group of birds in appearance very closely resembling the Larks. Their beak is slightly curved and pointed, compressed at its sides, narrow towards its extremity, and broader than it is high at the base; the legs are stout, the toes thick, and the claws much hooked, but blunt; the wings, in which the third quill exceeds the rest in length, are long; the tail is short, and deeply incised; the upper portion of the body is deep grey, spotted with brown, the under side ash-grey, marked at the sides with reddish brown; the throat is white, slightly spotted with brown; the quills and tail-feathers are blackish brown, the latter spotted with white; the wings are ornamented with two white lines. Both sexes are alike in colour. The young are grey, spotted with reddish yellow; black on the back, and reddish yellow, chequered with light and dark grey, on the under side; the wing-feathers are brown, edged with rust-red, and the wings enlivened by two reddish yellow stripes. The tail is brown, and also tipped with reddish yellow; the eye is light brown, the beak yellow at the base and black at the tip; the foot is brown. This species is seven inches long and eleven and three-quarters broad; the wing measures three inches and three-quarters, and the tail two inches and three-quarters; the female is half an inch shorter, and three-quarters of an inch narrower than her mate.
These birds inhabit all the lofty mountains of Central and Southern Europe and Southern Asia, and are particularly numerous upon the Alps, where they are generally met with at an altitude of from 4,000 to 6,000 feet above the sea. They are also occasional visitors to the south of Great Britain. In winter they usually descend to the plains and valleys in search of seeds, but return to their favourite haunts as soon as the snow has melted from the surface of the rocks; they are then to be seen running lightly or flying from one peak to another, as they pour out their clear, melodious song, many notes of which will bear comparison with those of the Lark itself. Their disposition appears to be somewhat capricious; at one time they are all life and activity, at another perfectly quiescent. Gloger explains this peculiarity by telling us that they are only brisk and lively while searching for food, and that their change of demeanour is attributable to the process of digestion that is being carried on as they sit erect and motionless often for a whole half hour at a time. While hopping on the ground the Alpine Acceptor carries its tail slightly elevated, sometimes so high as to be raised above the wings. The flight of these birds is light and rapid, and capable of being sustained for a very considerable distance; but, under ordinary circumstances, they keep near the ground, and onlysoar into the air during the breeding season. Towards man they exhibit the utmost confidence, and are frequently to be seen hopping about close to a party of mountaineers or group of shepherds, quite indifferent to and apparently almost unconscious of the voices and movements around them. Insects, spiders, seeds, and berries constitute their principal food, and they devour grass seed, in particular, in great quantities. The nest, according to Schinz, is commenced early in the spring, and is situated in clefts or holes of the rock, or amid Alpine rose bushes; sometimes on the roofs of houses, care being generally taken that the little structure is so placed as to be completely sheltered from wind and weather. The nest, which is circular and semi-conical, is three inches both in diameter and in depth; it is constructed alternately of grass and moss, and lined with wool, hair, or similar materials. The eggs, from four to five in number, are of an oval shape, smooth, and of a blueish green. It is at present undecided whether the female is assisted by her mate in the work of incubation. Two broods are produced in the year, the first in May, the second in July.