THE DIPPER. 



369 



The nest of this species is placed on the ground, and is generally- 

 hidden in a large grass-tuft. 



The Meadow Pipit {Anthns prafensis). 



The very large family of the Thrushes now engages our attention. 

 Many of these birds are renowned for their song, and some of them 

 are remarkable for their imitative powers. 



The Ant Thrushes find an English representative in the well-known 

 Dipper, or Water Ousel, of our river-banks. 



Possessing neither brilliant plumage nor graceful shape, it is yet one of 

 the most interesting of British birds when watched in its favorite haunts. 

 It always frequents rapid streams and channels, and, being a very shy 

 and retiring bird, invariably prefers those spots where the banks over- 

 hang the water and are clothed with thick brushwood. Should the bed 

 of the stream be broken up with rocks or large stones, and the fall be 

 sufficiently sharp to wear away an occasional pool, the Dipper is all the 

 better pleased with its home, and may generally be found in such a 

 locality by a patient observer. 



All the movements of this little bird are quick, jerking, and wren- 

 like — a similitude which is enhanced by its habit of continually flirt- 

 ing its apology for a tail. Caring nothing for the frosts of winter so 

 long as the water remains free from ice, the Dipper may be seen 

 throughout the winter months flitting from stone to stone with the 

 most animated gestures, occasionally stopping to pick up some morsel 

 of food, and ever and anon taking to the water, where it sometimes 

 dives entirely out of sight, and at others merely walks into the shallows 

 and there flaps about with great rapidity. 



The food of the Dipper seems to be exclusively of an animal cha- 



