THE MEADOW PIPIT 157 



skulking closely under the broad leaves and uttering 

 a very melancholy and complaining peep as it is 

 flushed. At these seasons it is also to a large 

 extent sociable, and may sometimes be met with in 

 considerable flocks. If disturbed, the entire flock 

 will rise in scattered order, flitting about in an 

 aimless uncertain way, and eventually settling again, 

 two or three birds at a time, here and there, to 

 repeat the same manoeuvres if alarmed by the report 

 of a gun. The Meadow Pipit is certainly most 

 gregarious during autumn ; in winter the tendency 

 is to gather in small parties ; but as the spring 

 days return a further strongly marked sociability is 

 noticed. It is probable that the larger gatherings 

 are connected with migratory movement. 



By April most of our resident Meadow Pipits are 

 scattered over their breeding area ; the flocks and 

 family parties are disbanded ; the birds disappear 

 from many haunts, or become perceptibly less 

 numerous, and reappear in others. It is now that 

 this little species perhaps becomes the most interest- 

 ing ; for the warm spring days have roused its long 

 latent powers of song, and for the next few months 

 it becomes one of our most industrious songsters. 

 We always think this simple song of the Meadow 

 Pipit is most in harmony with the wilder districts, 

 with the haunt of the Red Grouse, Ring Ouzel, and 

 Twite, where the least attractive of bird music is 

 ever welcome, and where it cannot be spoiled by 



