MOTACILLID.^. 



133 





THE MEADOW-PIPIT. 



Anthus pratensis (Linnaeus). 



The Meadow-Pipit — generally known as the Titlark, and locally 

 by the names of Titling, Moss-cheeper, Ling-bird &c. — is the 

 smallest and most abundant member of the genus throughout the 

 British Islands. During summer it is nearly as much at home on 

 elevated moors as on lowland pastures ; but in winter the bleaker 

 situations are deserted for more sheltered localities, especially those 

 in the vicinity of the sea-coast. In autumn considerable numbers 

 leave our shores altogether, and a return migration takes place in 

 spring. 



In the Faeroes and Iceland the Meadow-Pipit is common in 

 summer, while in South Greenland a solitary wanderer was obtained 

 in 1845. The breeding-range extends over the greater part of Europe, 

 from the North Cape to the Pyrenees, the northern portions of 

 Italy and the Carpathians, and perhaps to some of the elevated 

 regions still further south ; but in the basin of the Mediterranean 

 the bird is principally known as a visitor on passage or in winter. 

 Eastward, it is found in Asia Minor, Palestine, Western Turkestan, 

 and the valley of the Ob in Siberia ; Avhile its southern wanderings 

 reach North Africa, from Morocco to Egypt. In the Canary 

 Islands and Madeira there is a resident insular form known as 

 A. bertheloti, smaller in size, with paler and less marked upper part.s, 

 narrowly striated under parts, and no green tint in its plumage. 



Our resident Meadow-Pipits begin to breed early in the spring. 



