TREE-PIPIT 115 



TEEE-PIPIT. 



Ayithus triviaUs (Linnseus). /S'.iV., i., p. 288 (1766). 

 Titlark, Boys, 1792. 



The Tree-Pipit is not a common species in Kent. 

 Soon after its arrival in the spring it becomes sparingly 

 distributed, generally selecting most of the railway 

 cuttings and steep grassy banks and hillsides for its 

 breeding grounds. In these situations it may be seen, 

 and heard, rising in the air, and floating down again with 

 upraised wings, singing as it descends. 



In some seasons, Mr. E. T. Filmer writes, it is quite 

 common about the railway at Orlestone, and in others 

 quite the reverse, especially during 1904-6 very few had 

 been seen. 



On April 17, 1902, the first Tree-Pipit was seen at 

 Orlestone, and one was obtained on April 23. According 

 to the Kev. C. H. Fielding it is a summer resident in the 

 Mailing valley and at Higham. It is included in the 

 birds of Bethersden by Captain J. D. Cameron, and Mr. 

 H. Lamb says it is plentiful near Maidstone during the 

 breeding season, where Mr. E. Bartlett found it breeding. 

 In his Birds of Bainham Mr. W. Prentis says: "The 

 Tree-Pipit is one of our summer arrivals ; comes in Mid- 

 April, frequents trees in the low coppices ; whence circling 

 upwards and returning to the same perch, sings in the air 

 most sweet and delightful notes. When making hay near 

 the woods the Tree-Pipit flies from heap to heap, keeping 

 the haymakers company, singing all the while its pleasing 

 song." 



In the report on the immigration of summer residents 

 in the spring of 1905, published in the Bulletin of the 

 B.O.C., the first Tree-Pipit arrived in Kent on April 13. 



