coasts. 



208 THE BIRDS OF OUR RAMBLES. 



ocean cliffs the JACKDAW has its residence ; but as- 

 we have already dealt with both these species no- 

 more than a passing notice is necessary. 



On almost all parts of the rocky coast, either 

 where cliffs abound, or the beach is strewn with 

 boulders, as well as on most of the rough islands, 

 we shall be sure to meet with the ROCK PIPIT 

 AH rocky (Antkus obscurus). It is the only small Passerine 

 bird of the shore, and seldom or never found in 

 any other localities. All the autumn and winter 

 it is more or less gregarious, but in spring it 

 separates into pairs ; and then we may hear the 

 simple song of the male as he flies up into the 

 air a little way in true Pipit style. Sometimes 

 he sits and sings on the rocks upon the beach, 

 sometimes when perched high up the dizzy cliffs. 

 In summer the food of the Rock Pipit is largely 

 composed of insects and tiny worms, but chiefly 

 of seeds during the remainder of the year. Small 

 as this bird is, it is sure to intrude upon your 

 notice as you stroll along the beach below the 

 rocks. It flits from the cliffs, uttering its plain- 

 tive weet y and settles again a little further on, or 

 rises into the air, and after several uncertain 

 movements either takes refuge high up the 

 precipice or makes a detour across the water to 

 its original starting-place. The Rock Pipit pairs 

 early, but nesting duties do not become very 

 general with this species until May. The nest 

 is difficult enough to find, being hidden under 

 stones and in crevices of the rocks, or even in 

 holes and amongst fallen cliff. It is made of 

 dry grass, moss, bits of seaweed, and wherever 

 possible is lined with hair. As this material is 

 not always to be had, fine grass is then used as 



