68 BIRDS OF MIDDLESEX. 



again alighted. Their large size, and peculiar flight 

 and note, made me suspect that they were the Rock 

 Pij^it. To make certain I shot one of them, and 

 found my suspicion verified. The wind had been 

 blowing from E.N.E., which might account for the 

 appearance of a coast-bird here.* 



When visiting different portions of the coast, I 

 have had good opportunities of studying the habits 

 of the Rock Pipit, and man}^ a walk along shore has 

 been enlivened by the sprightly actions and short 

 sweet song of this bird. 



Like its congener, the Tree Pipit, it may be seen 

 rising into the air with a sudden burst of song, till, 

 having attained the height of thirt}^ feet or more, it 

 slowly descends again, with upturned motionless 

 wings. Its favourite position seems to be on the 

 very edge of the water, where it finds its principal 

 food, and this consists of small insects, beetles, and 

 mollusca. The nest is compactly formed of fine 

 grasses, and is generally well concealed in a hollow 

 of the ground among thick herbage. The eggs 

 nearly resemble some varieties of the Tree Pipit, 

 but are slightly larger, a greenish white ground 

 colour, closely freckled over with pale brown and 

 grey. 



Richard's Pipit, Anthus Ricardi, This fine 



* The same day I saw a Gull (Larus ridihundus) at this 

 sheet of water. 



