86 lAMUAAR JflLD JjJIiUS. 



Its nanie^ is no tloubt owing- to the partiality ovinceO 

 l)y_it for rocky and billj places^ but it by no means eon- 

 fines itself to these loeaUties, and is very frequently to be 

 met with in spots of quite a different character. It would 

 seem to be especially partial to low, flat, shingly or marshy 

 flats that are now and then covered by the sea; and in these 

 place the bird may be commonly observed diligently seek- 

 ing for the small marine insects which form a favourite 

 item in its diet. 



The Rock Pipit is generally to be found in the imme- 

 diate vicinjty of several_more of its own spepies. although 

 they do not congregate in ilocks. AVhen disturbed it 

 seldom flies to any great distance, but contents itself with 

 a short flitting to a more secure spot in the immediate 

 neighbourhood, uttering an uneasy '' cheep ^' of alarm and 

 distrust. 



Its fo od consis ts of marine insects, wonns, and ])robably 

 some sor ts of se eds. The sonji^ is not of a ver y elab orate 

 character, and con^i^ts of the single note " ch eep " re- 

 peated jn^re or less according to circumstances. In the 

 summer time the bird undoubtedly indulges occasionally in 

 a more ])rolonged effort at harmony, but not sutticiently to 

 warjiaut the title of songster ; there is, however, a cheeri- 

 ness in his voice that is always acceptable. 



The Rock Pipit commences nesting usually about the end 

 of April or the beginning of May, and as a rule_selects some 

 place close to the sea-shore. The nest is placed sometimes 

 on the ground, and sometimes in a hole in the rocks or 

 banks, ])ut almost always in some place protected by some 

 jirojcction or eminence. Or}- grass, stalks of s ea or wate r 

 plants, and line fi \)i-es are used in building jtl ie ne st, which 

 in most eases is lined with wool, fine^m^s, or liair. The 



