THE PIED WAGTAIL. 



367 



habit of jerking their tails while running on the ground or on settling 

 immediately after a flight — are found in both hemispheres, and are all 

 well known by the habit from which they derive their popular title. 

 No less than nine species of this group occur in Britain, some of which 

 are nearly as well known as the common sparrow, while others are less 

 familiar to the casual observer. 



The Pied Wagtail is the most common of all the British examples 

 of this genus, and may be seen at the proper season of the year near 



The Pied Wagtail {Motacilla Yarrellii). 



almost every pond or brook, or even in the open road, tripping daintily 

 over the ground, pecking away at the insects, and wagging its tail with 

 hearty good-will. 



Mr. Yarrell mentions that this bird is an accomplished fisher, and 

 excels in snapping up the smaller minnows and fry as they come to 

 the surface of the water. It also haunts the fields where sheep, horses, 

 or horned cattle are kept, and hovers confidingly close to their hoofs, 

 pecking away briskly at the little insects which are disturbed by their 

 tread. It also delights in newly-mown lawns, and runs over the 

 smooth surface with great agility, peering between the grass-blades in 

 search of the insects which may be lying concealed in their green 

 shelter. The flight of the Pied Wagtail is short and jerking, the bird 

 rising and falling in a very peculiar manner with every stroke of the 

 wings. 



The Pied Wagtail remains in England throughout the year, but 

 generally retires to the southern counties during the winter, as it would 

 otherwise be unable to obtain its food. 



