27C) ENGLISH BIRD LIFE 



be similarly driven, it Avill almost invariably alight 

 upon it to the neglect of many convenient boughs 

 growing from the hedge itself. 



The Yellow Wagtail differs from all other 

 members of its family. It is a summer visitor only, 

 and in many of its ways it bears a greater resem- 

 blance to the Pipits than to any of the Wagtail group. 

 Like the IMeadow Pipit it loves the open fields, 

 having no special affinity for water on the one hand, 

 and rarely drawing near to human habitations on 

 the other. In shape and carriage it lacks the deli- 

 cate grace of its kin, its tail being shorter and its 

 general appearance more Pipit-like. Nevertheless 

 in full breeding plumage the adult male, with its 

 canary-coloured breast, is a handsome and con- 

 spicuous bird. 



In the early summer it may be seen hovering over 

 the young corn, and when the nestlings are being 

 fed, it usually calls attention to their existence by 

 flitting from point to point, often alighting on the 

 topmost spray of hedge or bush, uttering the while 

 its faint protesting notes. Like others of its race, 

 the Yellow Wagtail is a most industrious flycatcher, 

 and half-a-dozen or more may be seen at times in 

 the level pasture following the slow movements of 

 the feeding cattle, running in and out between the 

 animals' legs, and often darting into the air to snap 

 the insects which gather in swarms around. 



The nest is formed of dry grass and moss, lined 

 with hair, and more rarely with fine roots, and is 

 usually placed in the mowing-grass or amidst the 

 young corn. 



