PIPITS, OR TITLARKS. 33 



PIPITS, OR TITLARKS. 



E Pipits form a connecting link between the Wagtails and the 

 Larks ; they are the tit, or tiny Larks, being generally smaller 

 than the latter birds, which they closely resemble in their general forms 

 and characteristics, so closely that by the older ornithologists they 

 were included in the same genus. But more careful observation has 

 determined those of later years to form them into a separate group, 

 to which the title Anthus has been given ; this is not a very distinctive 

 name, for it means simply a small bird. No doubt naturalists are 

 sadly puzzled to find, or invent, the new names which they are 

 constantly called on to supply, and we cannot expect them to be all 

 very appropriate ones, conveying some idea of the manners, habits, 01 

 appearance of the creature named; but for the most part these Latin 

 or Greek derivations do convey an obvious meaning to those who 

 understand them. 



But about these Pipits, these small, slender, active birds, with soft 

 plumage, mostly of brown and grey tints, bills of moderate length, 

 straight and slim, wings and tail rather long, although not so much 

 so as those of the Wagtails or Larks; the feet and toes are somewhat 

 long and slender. 



These birds are remarkable for vibrating the body when standing; 

 their notes are sharp, weak, and uttered in rapid succession, as if they 



