232 



THE TREE PIPIT. 



is a strong and daring flyer, a specimen having been taken on board a ship at a distance of 

 nine hundred miles from the nearest shore. 



THE TREE PIPIT derives its name from its habit of perching upon trees, wherein it pre- 

 sents a decided contrast to the meadow Pipit, which chiefly frequents waste lands and 

 marshes. 



It is only a summer visitant of the northern countries, arriving towards the end of April, 

 and leaving in September, after rearing its brood. Although it can perch on branches, and 

 does so very frequently, it has not a very strong hold of the bqugh, and is not nearly so agile 

 in hopping or tripping about the branches as is the case with the generality of perching birds. 

 While on the tree it generally settles on the end of some bough, and is not seen to traverse 

 the branches after the fashion of the tree-frequenting birds. Although it is called the Tree 

 Pipit, it seems more at its ease on the ground than among the branches, and runs and trips 

 over the roughest soils with an easy grace that contrasts strongly with its evident insecurity 

 upon the boughs. 



RICHARD'S and ROCK PIPIT. Anthus richanll and ayualicw. 



The song of this bird is sweeter and more powerful than that of the preceding species, and 

 is generally given in a very curious manner. Taking advantage of some convenient tree, it 

 hops from branch to branch, chirping merrily with each hop, and after reaching the summit 

 of the tree, perches for a few moments and then launches itself into the air, for the purpose of 

 continuing its ascent. Having accomplished this feat, the bird bursts into a triumphant strain 

 of music, and, fluttering downwards as it sings, alights upon the same tree from which it had 

 started, and by successive leaps again reaches the ground. 



