BIRDS. 107 



In 1888 we saw the Wagtail in several localities on the 

 Mainland, but nowhere abundant, nor did we meet with it 

 at all in the North Isles, although Mr. Harvey records it from 

 Sanday, and as breeding there. 



Motacilla melanope, Pall. Grey Wagtail. 



It is more than probable that this species has to do duty for the 

 Yellow Wagtail in Orkney, in most instances, as well as in many 

 parts of the north of Scotland. 



Both Mr. Kanken and Mr. Watt seem to have met with 

 this species, though only on very rare occasions; but Mr. 

 Harvey notes it as resident and breeding in Sanday. 



Mr. Moodie-Heddle mentions that it breeds occasionally in 

 Hoy, and that both it and the Yellow Wagtail are shyer in the 

 breeding season than the Pied Wagtail, or at least are not so 

 much seen. 



Motacilla rail, Bp. Yellow Wagtail. 



Although mentioned by Baikie and Heddle as having been observed 

 several times, in a note written by the latter he says : " There 

 is some confusion between these species," i.e. the Yellow and 

 Grey Wagtails. The one mentioned in these authors' book as 

 having been killed by Mr. Eanken, was shot on the 19th of 

 November 1845, and this date alone seems to point to its being 

 the Grey species. 



Mr. Eeid mentions having shot one at Wideford, in 

 September 1858, but here again a doubt would seem to exist, 

 as the word " yellow " is often applied to the common (in the 

 north) " melanope," and none of these specimens are now avail- 

 able for examination. 



Mr. Moodie-Heddle says also, that confusion exists in 

 Orkney between the Grey and Yellow Wagtails: he adds, 

 however, that the latter bred at Melsetter in 1880 and 1881, and 

 probably at other times. He sent the eggs up to the editor 

 of the Field, who identified them as those of the Yellow 

 Wagtail. 



