38 FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



part of Europe, Asia, and Africa. There can be no 

 doubt that it is to a large extent migratory possibly a 

 percentage of ninety-five birds in every hundred leaving 

 us at the end of the season. They return again, however, 

 as early as the end of February. 



The food consists of insects, worms, slugs, and possibly 

 seeds. Its habits are extremely impartial, and it shows 

 so little preference for one spot more than another that it 

 would almost be more difficult to point out where it is not 

 to be seen, than to indicate any particularly likely locality. 

 The downs in Sussex, and the pasture and arable lands adja- 

 cent, are, however, places where we have ourselves seen them 

 as numerously as anywhere. In extremely cold weather the 

 Meadow Pipit may be met with on manure-heaps, or on the 

 sea-shore and the banks of tidal rivers, running nimbly 

 about over the accumulations of seaweed, and searching for 

 anything in the shape of food which may present itself. 

 In ordinary circumstances the bird is fond of water, wading 

 into it, and bathing with evident delight. The flight is 

 short and erratic, frequently varied by an undulating move- 

 ment, not dissimilar to that of the Wagtail ; indeed the bird 

 resembles the Wagtail in one or two characteristics, more 

 particularly in a flirting movement of the tail upon first 

 settling. The song is low and harmonious, and the bird 

 frequently sings while hovering about in the neighbourhood 

 of its nest. When singing the bird has a noticeable habit 

 of rising in the air and slowly descending with extended 

 wings, much in the same way as the Tree Pipit. If 

 frightened or disturbed the Meadow Pipit utters a quick 

 sharp " trit, trit." 



The nest is commonly built of dried grass, lined with 

 fine fibres of grass and moss, and a little hair ; it is found 



