ANGLER'S BIRDS. 193 



them have been seen, being from throat to the 

 under part of the tail a brilliant canary yellow. 

 Apart from this it is altogether more delicately 

 formed having somewhat the appearance of a 

 yellow swallow or martin ill fitted for any 

 north wind or rigorous frost. 



It is a summer visitant; arriving in Devon 

 towards the middle of April and departing in 

 September. They are far less dependent upon 

 streams, or indeed upon water of any kind for 

 obtaining their food supply, than the Grey 

 Wagtail. So far as I have noticed they are 

 usually attendant upon cattle, running back- 

 wards and forwards with a great many 

 unnecessary airs and graces, every now and 

 then stopping to let their tails nearly wag them 

 off their legs, as they hawk the insects that 

 surround fat and lazy cows. In ' Yarrell's 

 British Birds,' the yellow wagtail is stated to 

 be pretty numerous in summer; and, with the 

 exception of Devonshire and Cornwall, to be 

 found in suitable places throughout England. 

 Yet it is in Devonshire that I chiefly associate 

 the birds on the meadows on hot June and 

 July afternoons, which shows how the partial 

 migration of birds changes according to certain 

 seasons. As a matter of fact for the last few 

 summers they have not been in the meadows 

 referred to. I cannot remember ever having 

 seen the three species actually together, although 

 it must often occur. 



The nest of the yellow wagtail is always 

 upon the ground, and usually softly lined. It 



