542 MOTACILIJD.E. 



it is believed, may be clistinguislied even in their earliest 

 plumage, while the two Wagtails are indistinguishable in 

 their youth. On the other hand some mature examples of 

 Falco islandns and F. candlcans are found presenting an 

 approach to each other, whereas the adult Pied Wagtail — 

 especially the cock in summer-plumage — always seems to 

 differ conspicuously from the adult White Wagtail at the 

 same season. The difference however is but in colour, for 

 none in jjroportious, shape or structure can be satisftictorily 

 made out. 



The Pied Wagtail, though a very common bird, is 

 deservedly admired for the elegance of its form, as well as 

 for the activity and airy lightness exhibited in all its actions. 

 It is ever in motion, running with facility by a rapid succes- 

 sion of steps in pursuit of its insect food, moving from place 

 to place by short undulating flights, uttering a cheerful chirp- 

 ing note while on the wing, alighting again on the ground, 

 a roof or a wall, with a sylph-like buoyancy, and a graceful 

 fanning motion of the tail, from which it derives its name. 

 The song of the cock is loud and joyous, but not very often 

 uttered. He is always among the first of small birds to 

 observe the danger threatened by a hawk or cat, and in the 

 former case generally leads the attack on the enemy, rising- 

 high in air and pursuing the intruder for a considerable 

 distance. The Pied Wagtail but seldom perches on a tree 

 or bush. It frequents the vicinity of ponds and streams, 

 moist pastures or grassy lawns, and may be frequently seen 

 wading in shallow water, seeking for various aquatic insects, 

 or their larvne. If confined in a suitable place it will even 

 take larger prey, for Mr. Rayner, of Uxbridge, noticed, 

 during the summer and autumn of 1837, that several Wag- 

 tails, of this and the Yellow species, presently to be de- 

 scribed, were very expert in catching and feeding on minnows 

 which were in a fountain in the centre of his aviary. The 

 birds would " hover over the water," he adds, " and, as they 

 skim the surface, catch the minnow as it approaches the top 

 of the water in the most dexterous manner, and I was much 

 surprised at the wariness and cunning of some Blackbirds 



