45 



GKEY WAGTAIL. 



MOTACILLA MELANOPE, PallaS. 



Local Name — Bock- Wagtail. 



Eesiclent ; breeding on most of the secluded and 

 rocky streams in the northern parts of the county, and 

 in winter, with the Pied Wagtail, often appearing close 

 to the towns and villages, especially where there are 

 streams in which sewage flows ; these being both rich 

 in insect life and having the advantage of remaining 

 open in the severest weather. Near Liverpool, and in 

 the other low-lying districts, it is seldom seen except on 

 migration, and, as a breeding species, is not anywhere 

 common, being more numerous on the Hodder than any 

 other place I know. Here each pair seems to appro- 

 priate a certain stretch of river, and it is very unusual 

 for two nests to be seen in any close proximity. The 

 nests are built of moss chiefl}^ and lined with hair, and 

 are placed on ledges of rock, seldom more than a few 

 yards above the level of the stream, and often partially 

 concealed by trailing branches of ground-ivy. The 

 female sits very closely, and makes a great to-do when 

 disturbed, uttering her alarm-notes, and flying from 

 stone to stone, and from tree to tree, with the greatest 

 restlessness and anxiety. She lays her first set of eggs 

 (four or five in number, rarely six) by about the second 

 week in April, being one of the earliest breeders, and 

 later on another brood is hatched. 



