MOTACILLID.fi. Ill 



126. Plectrophenax nivalis (Linnaeus) . The Snow-Bunting. 



The Snow-Bunting has only been recorded once from the 

 Moorish side of the Straits ; and this occurrence was mentioned by 

 Mr. Drake. This specimen, lately in the possession of Olcesc 

 (Favier's successor at Tangier), was a female, and in fine plumage. 



In Andalucia is a very rare straggler in winter ; a male, which 

 I have seen, was shot near Malaga on the 1 8th of November, 

 1872. 



Tail : six centre feathers black, fringed externally and round tip with 

 white ; three outer pairs white, with black at end of outer web ; claw of 

 hind toe elongated, but not longer than hind toe. 



Male in summer. Head, neck, and under surface whits ; above black ; 

 wing-coverts white ; bill black. 



Female. Dark brown and white ; secondaries white. 



Male and female in winter. Crown reddish brown ; feathers on upper 

 parts broadly edged with reddish brown ; bill yellowish, with dark tip. 

 Length 6^-7 inches. 



MOTACILLIDJE. 

 127. Motacilla alba, Linnaeus. The White Wagtail. 



Moorish. Emzizi. Spanish. Pispita. 



"This is the most abundant of the Wagtails, and passes the 

 winter near Tangier, arriving during September and October, 

 leaving in March. They are to be seen in large flocks following 

 the plough, twittering incessantly." Fader. 



The above notes apply equally to the White Wagtail in Anda- 

 lucia ; but it was never seen by me after the 24th of March ; 

 though Mr. Stark found a nest at Alora, near Malaga, and they 

 are recorded by Arevalo as breeding near Granada. They roost 

 together in great numbers on the short rushes and grass in the 

 marshes at Casas Viejas, where I have often seen them on the 

 backs of horses and cattle, picking off vermin and catching flies, 

 doing the work of Starlings and Buff-backed Herons. 



