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OF THE BIRDS MENTIONED 235 
the song then ceasing abruptly. Sings most at nesting- 
time, continuing through the summer, but also in winter 
if the weather be fine. Food: Seeds and insects. 
Flesh : Edible. Large numbers are sold in markets, 
both English and continental birds. Migration : Many 
migrate, but many remain all the year. Large numbers 
arrive from the Continent in autumn. Nest: April. 
shape : Shallow, without a definite cup. Sztuated : On the 
ground, in a slight hollow in any open place, but mostly 
in tall grass. Made of: Dried grass chiefly, and fine 
roots. Second nests: Two or three broods each year. 
Eggs: Greyish-white, tinged green, mottled dark grey 
and brown—shades variable. Five. 
10. WAGTAILS 
(Pages 128-134) 
Motacilla melanope, Grey Wagtail; Motacilla lugu- 
bris, Pied Wagtail; Motacilla rayit, Yellow Wagtail. 
Motacilla, Lat., a wagtail, from Lat. moreo, motum, to 
move. Cilla is a diminutive meaning little literally, 
from the constant little (quick) wags (up and down) 
of the tails. Melanope, Gr., melas, black; and opsts, 
appearance. Lugubris, Lat., lugeo, I weep, hence 
lugubris, of a mournful appearance, referring to the 
plumage (not the look of the bird). Rayii, after 
Ray, a distinguished naturalist. General description : 
