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BRITISH BIRDS. 



always so in the young. The Pipits always have a pale eye-stripe, but the 

 Wagtails vary in this respect. 



The Pipits being so constant in their pattern of colour, it is not 

 necessary to give a long detailed description of each species, which would 

 only confuse the student. All that is necessary is to point out the specific 

 characters of each. 



This genus contains about forty species, and may be practically re- 

 garded as cosmopolitan, being only unrepresented in the Polynesian 

 subregion, which consists of all the tropical islands in the Pacific. Seven 

 species breed in Europe, and two others are occasional visitors. Three 

 only breed in the British Islands ; but four others accidentally visit our 

 shores. 



In their habits the Pipits do not differ much from the Wagtails. They 

 frequent most kinds of scenery, the well-cultivated districts, the uplands, 

 the rocky coasts, mountains, and broad plains. They are moderate 

 songsters, but differ considerably in this respect. Their nests are always 

 placed on the ground, and are made of dry grass, hair, roots, &c. ; and 

 the eggs are from five to six in number. The ground-colour is generally 

 almost concealed by a profusion of markings of various shades of brown. 

 Their flight is rapid and undulating, and most of the species sing on the 

 wing. They are partly insectivorous and partly granivorous. 



MEAUOW-PiriT S NEST. 



