108 MOTACILLID^. 
south. On the 25th of April I took a nest in a small tree 
close to the ground, containing three eggs slightly sat-on, 
which is, I am informed, the usual complement. The nest 
was not so compact as that of the Woodchat, containing less 
grass and dried flowers, being chiefly built of fibrous roots. 
It is an easy bird to recognize when it has been once seen on 
the wing, the chestnut of the wing- coverts being very con- 
spicuous. 
Favier states that they cross the Straits ; all I can say is, I 
never saw a Spanish specimen, though a birdcatcher at Tarifa 
professed torecognizeaskin and called it^'Alcaudoncarnicero,^' 
a name I had not heard before, but which I have since ascer- 
tained is applied to other Shrikes ; so in any case, if ever it does 
occur in Spain, it is extremely rare, and as yet unobserved. 
Family Motacillid^. 
131. MoTACiLLA ALBA, Liuu. The White Wagtail. 
Moorish. Mizizi {Favier). Spanish. Pispita. 
" This is the most abundant of the Wagtails, and passes the 
winter near Tangier, arriving during September and October, 
leaving in March. They are to be seen in large flocks fol- 
lowing the plough, twittering incessantly .'' — Favier. 
The above notes apply equally to the White Wagtail in 
Andalucia; but it was never seen by me after the 16th of 
March. They roost together in great numbers on the short 
rushes and grass in the marshes at Casa Vieja, where also I 
have often seen them on horses' backs, picking off vermin and 
catching flies, doing the work of Ardeola russata. Length 
7|- to 7 inches. 
132. MoTAciLLA YARRELLii, Gould. The Pied Wagtail. 
" This is the most rare of the Wagtails near Tangier ; they 
are found at the same times and places as M. alba." — Favier. 
I obtained a specimen in summer plumage at Tangier; it 
is scarce enough in Andalucia in that plumage, but probably 
in winter dress escapes unnoticed. Length 7^ to 7 inches. 
133. MoTAciLLA suLFUREA, Bcchst. The Grrey Wagtail. 
This Wagtail is stated by Favier to be a common winter 
