.MOTACILLID/E 



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THE TREE-FIPIT. 



Anthus TNiviALis (Linna3us). 



The Pipits present a superficial resemblance to the Larks, but from 

 these they differ considerably in structure, moulting, and some of 

 their habits ; while they agree with the Wagtails in almost every 

 respect, except in the coloration of the plumage of the adults. Like 

 Wagtails, Pipits moult twice in the year — partially in spring — and 

 they are equally fond of bathing ; while Larks have only an autumnal 

 moult, and dust themselves over, instead of washing. 



The Tree-Pipit generally arrives in the soutliern portions of 

 England early in April ; and, except in the west of Cornwall and in 

 Wales, where it is scarce, the bird is fairly distributed throughout the 

 country in summer, becoming more numerous in the wooded dis- 

 tricts suitable to its habits. In Scotland it is common in the Western 

 Sohvay district (Service), and around (ilasgow ; and, although local, 

 it appears to be fairly diffused in other parts of the country ; but in 

 the north it is rarer, and it has only been detected breeding in 

 Sutherlandshire since 1875. It is said to be a straggler in the 

 Orkneys. In Ireland it has not yet been obtained. The majority 

 depart for the south during the month of September, but in the 



