156 OUR FAVOURITE SONG BIRDS 



hind claw, always exceedin^^ the hind toe in length. 

 It is a resident in our country, but subject to con 

 siderable local movement, between the uplands and 

 the lower country. In autumn, too, great numbers 

 of Meadow Pipits visit the British Islands, either 

 to remain in them for the winter, or to pass along 

 the coasts to still more southern countries. We do 

 not think any of the indigenous individuals, however, 

 leave Britain at this season. The abundance or 

 otherwise of this Pipit in many localities is entirely 

 dependent upon the season. Thus in many low- 

 land districts the bird is by far the most common 

 during autumn and winter ; whilst in many upland 

 ones it is only seen during spring and summer. 

 With this proviso the Meadow Pipit may be found 

 on almost every variety of ground ; from the moors 

 and mountains and remote islets, to the commons, 

 fields, highways, and swamps. This Pipit shows a 

 decided preference for wet ground ; summer and 

 winter alike it is sure to congregate in swampy 

 localities. It shows no partiality whatever for trees, 

 rarely perching in them, and passing most of its 

 life upon the ground, where it runs up and down 

 in a very lively and engaging way in quest of food. 

 During prolonged frost this bird may frequently 

 be met with near manure-heaps, or on the banks of 

 running streams, even approaching our houses to 

 pick up anything suited to its taste. In autumn it 

 shows a very marked preference for turnip-field.>, 



