78 BIRD-LIFE IN A SOUTHERN COUNTY. 



species is most abundant during autumn. We 

 then often meet with it on more lowland streams, 

 sometimes in small parties, at other times solitary. 

 These individuals may not pass the winter in this 

 part of South Devon. Another fact we have 

 remarked in connection with this Wagtail, and 

 that is its marked partiality for the smaller streams 

 and rills, for pools and reservoirs, and in spring 

 and autumn, the coast. It is perhaps more closely 

 attached to the waterside than any other kindred 

 British species, the character of its food being the 

 probable explanation of the fact. We have met 

 with this species breeding near the small streams 

 at the source of the Dart, between Tavistock and 

 Moreton Hampstead ; and have seen it in many 

 localities, both on the coast and at varying dis- 

 tances inland, between the estuary of the Exe and 

 Start Point. As in northern haunts, we have 

 repeatedly seen this Wagtail perch in trees and 

 bushes ; but its favourite resting-place is some 

 large stone surrounded by the dancing waters of 

 the stream. Here its dainty movements and some- 

 what showy plumage are seen to best advantage. 

 Whilst talking about Wagtails, we may take the 

 opportunity of mentioning a rarer and more local 



