BRITISH BIRDS. l8l 



THE species of the AVagtails properly so called, 

 are few, and are chiefly confined to the continent 

 of Europe, where the individuals are numerous. 

 They are easily distinguished by their brisk and 

 lively motions, as well as by the great length 

 of their tails, which they jerk up and down in- 

 cessantly, from which circumstance they derive 

 their name.* They do not hop, but run along 

 the ground very nimbly after flies and other in- 

 sects, on which they feed ; they likewise feed on 

 .small worms, in search of which they frequently 

 flutter round the husbandman whilst at his plough, 

 and follow the flocks in search of the flies which 

 generally surround them. They frequent the sides 

 of runners and pools, and pick up the insects 

 which swarm there. They seldom perch ; their 

 flight is weak and undulating, during which they 

 make a twittering noise. 



* In almost all languages the name of this bird is descriptive of 

 its peculiar habits. In Latin, Motacilla; in French, Moteux, La 

 Lavandiere, or Washer; in England, they are sometimes called 

 Washers, from their peculiar motion; in German, their name sig- 

 nifies Brook-stilts; and, in Italian, Shake-tail, &c., &c. 



