BRITAIN^S BIRDS AND THEIR NESTS. 289 



The nest is usually in a natural hollow, either on the 

 level or in the side of a bank. It is made of grass and 

 moss, with a lining of finer materials, sometimes including 

 horse-hair. The four to six eggs are often like those of 

 the Meadow-Pipit, but vary greatly, although not within 

 a single clutch. The general effect varies from grayish 

 white to reddish brown. Some of the types may readily 

 be confused with the eggs of many other allied and 

 unallied species. Laying does not begin till late in May, 

 and only one brood is reared. Incubation, lasting a 

 fortnight, devolves entirely on the hen. 



The powers of song are better developed in this bird 

 than in most of the family. Although sometimes singing 

 from a perch, the Tree-Pipit more often sings in the 

 air ; and the way in which it descends to the ground 

 or to a perch, with upturned tail, rapidly working wings, 

 and exuberant song, is exceedingly characteristic. 



THE ROCK=PIPIT 



(Anthus obscurus). 

 Plate 101. 



The open country, the woodlands, and the shore each 

 have their Pipit, and it is the Rock-Pipit which frequents 

 the last-named haunt. It resembles its allies, but is 

 darker in plumage on the whole. Its habits are similar, 

 but it has added small marine animals to its diet and a 

 harsh, Chat-like note to its vocabulary. 



The Rock-Pipit is a regular spring and autumn migrant 

 — examples of the Scandinavian race being frequent along 

 our eastern seaboard — but it is also a resident within our 

 area, and is found on every part of the British coasts. 



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