THE BIRDS OF RAINHAM. 31 



GREY WAGTAIL. 

 Motacilla sulphured, Bechs. 



The Grey Wagtail does not to my knowledge 

 breed in this district. I now and then meet with one 

 or two in the winter time running along a fresh water 

 rivulet or beside a marsh ditch. 



YELLOW WAGTAIL. 

 Motacilla Rail (Bonaparte). 



The Yellow Wagtail comes on the loth of April, 

 sooner or later according to the weather ; the first 

 comers are always the most brilliant in plumage. 

 After a day or two's stay they go north followed by 

 others which are all young birds, and such we are 

 obliged to make ourselves contented with ; they breed 

 as a rule in our pea fields, not often in the clover. 



TREE-PIPIT. 

 Anthus trivialis (Linn.). 



The Tree-Pipit is one of our summer arrivals ; 

 comes in mid-April, frequents trees in our low cop- 

 pices, whence circling upwards and returning to the 

 same perch, sings in the air most sweet and delightful 

 notes. When making hay near the woods the Tree- 

 Pipit flies from heap to heap keeping the haymakers 

 company, singing all the while its pleasing song. 



