3i4 THE BIRDS 



winter, though both the latter species sometimes stay to nest. 

 Many of the Buntings are resident in England, and the Cross- 

 bill, though somewhat rare, sometimes breeds here, its nest of 

 twigs, moss, wool and hair being placed, as a rule, in a 

 pine-tree. 



The Wagtails and Pipits, though differing in their habits, both 

 belong to the same family Motacillidce. Wagtails haunt running 

 streams and stagnant waters (though some species frequent meadows 

 and cornfields), and nest in holes on the banks, on the tops of 

 pollarded willows, or on ledges of rock. Pipits prefer open spaces 

 covered with rough grass, clearings in woods, or, in the case of the 

 Rock Pipit, rocky shores. The Meadow Pipit (Anthus pratensis) 

 is common in meadows, moorlands, and amongst sand-dunes covered 

 with tussocky grass near the shore. It is often called the " Titlark " 

 or " Meadowlark," and from its similarity in appearance and habits 

 is frequently confused with the Skylark (Alauda arvensis), which, 

 however, belongs to another family, the Alaudidce. The Skylark 

 is one of the most popular of English birds. Its joyous song is 

 heard not only in the warm summer weather, but frequently during 

 the cold winter months I have actually heard it singing blithely 

 while a sharp shower of sleet was in progress. It sings, too, some- 

 times in the night, and though its custom is while pouring forth 

 its song to mount skywards, it does on occasions sing while on 

 the ground or perched on a low bush; 



The Flycatchers (Muscicapida) are a somewhat vaguely defined 

 family of birds peculiar to the Old World, represented in 

 England by the Spotted Flycatcher (M. grisola) and the Pied 

 Flycatcher (M. atricapilla), both summer visitors. The former is 

 often seen in gardens, and is easily identified by its habit of perching 

 on the top of a post, rail, or stake, suddenly, with a quick, graceful 

 flight, darting off after an insect, and then returning to its 

 original position. It is a graceful though inconspicuous bird, 

 having a quiet, low song; its chief characteristic is the broad, 

 flattened bill beset with bristles which is peculiar to its family. 



The Swallows and Martins are, perhaps, the most welcome 

 summer visitors to Britain ; their graceful flight and familiar habits of 

 nesting under the eaves of dwellings and in outhouses round about 

 combine to make them general favourites with everyone. The 

 Swallow (Himndo rustica) is larger than a Martin, and is easily 



