140 RURAL BIRD LIFE. 



them now walking, now running, in all directions, making 

 sad havoc amongst the myriads of insects. Gifted with 

 the acutest sense of sight, the Wagtails distinguish the 

 smallest insects at incredible distances. Now running, 

 aided with their wings, they capture an insect, and with 

 notes of exultation call their young, nestling closely and 

 motionless amongst the earth clods near at hand. With 

 quick motions the little creatures bound forward and 

 receive the proffered food with the graceful actions 

 so prominent in this charming group of sylph-like 

 choristers. 



In spring time, when every animate and inanimate 

 object of Nature is influenced by its balmy presence, we 

 sometimes see the Wagtail launch into the air and pour 

 out a short, sweet, and varied song. Sometimes his 

 notes are poured forth as he sits daintly poised on the 

 water-encircled stone, or even when perched on the top- 

 most branches of the tallest trees. We have yet to learn 

 much in respect to the song of birds. Before us is a 

 bird that only sings at rare intervals ; in fact, this is 

 common to this particular group of birds, while his close 

 relations the Pipits warble incessantly throughout the 

 spring and summer months. 



It is in the nest of the Pied Wagtail that the Cuckoo 

 ofttimes inserts her eggs, and by this we have another 

 proof that the female Cuckoo, after laying her egg, carries 

 it in her bill or claws, and thus inserts it in the selected 

 nest ; for eggs of the cuckoo are often seen in the nest of 

 the Wagtail when in situations totally impossible for the 

 bird to enter for her purpose. 



When following the plough the Wagtail feeds on 

 the numberless small worms and larvae ; when on the 

 pastures, insects and worms are preyed upon ; and when 

 by the side of the stream or lake they catch the insects 



