Resident Birds. 269 



and lined with feathers, as many, when pulled out 

 and scattered abroad, as would fill a couple of hats. 

 In autumn, parties of about half-a-dozen usually go 

 about together, scampering through the orchards, 

 generally from east to west, examining every tree with 

 remarkable rapidity, always moving, never resting; 

 after which they are not seen again perhaps for months. 



THE PIED WAG-TAIL, OR DISH-WASHER (Motacilla 



Yarrellu), ii., 8 ex 



A common and very elegant bird, building under 

 bridges, and near the water, but always in some 

 rough or stony place, such as a hole where a brick 

 has fallen out. Haunting stream and pond-sides in 

 quest of food, it is quite as particular as a lady is 

 over her dress, flirting its little tail so as to preserve 

 it from getting soiled. 



THE GRAY WAG-TAIL (Motacilla sulphurea), ii., 82. 

 Similar to the last in habits, and very beautiful in its 

 breeding plumage, showing yellow, blue, black, 

 white, green, and many other tints. Near Man- 

 chester rather rare. 



THE MEADOW PIPIT, OR TITLING (Anthus pratensis), 



ii., 86. 



Common in meadows and upon the mosses, as Chat 

 Moss and White Moss, on which it breeds abun- 

 dantly. This bird has most young cuckoos to rear 

 of any of the feathered tribe that build on the 

 ground, and a good deal of work to do, for the 



