356 Dr. R. B. Sharpe on Birds 



placed under a stone on the side of a kopje, and the eggs are 

 from two to four. This species does fairly well in confine- 

 ment, but seems to be drinking nearly all day.] 



105. MOTACILLA CAPENS1S. 



Motacilla capensis Linn. ; Sharpe, ed. Layard, B. S. Afr. 

 pp. 547, 853 (1875-84); id. Cat. B. x. p. 493 (1885); Stark, 

 Faun. S. Afr., Birds, i. p. 259 (1900); Shelley, B. Afr. ii. 

 p. 277 (1900). 



a, b, 2 ad.; c. ? juv. Deelfontein, Jan. 10-27, 1901. 



d. $. Deelfontein, Feb. 11, 1901. 



c,f,9- 6 ad.; h,i. $ ad. Deelfontein, Feb. 6-28, 1902. 

 Bill and feet black ; iris hazel. 



k,l,m. $ ad.; n-r. $ ad. Deelfontein, March 2-31, 1902. 



s. J ad. Deelfontein, Aug. 24, 1902. 



t. ? ad. Deelfontein, Nov. 4, 1902. With nest and 

 three eggs. 



As will be seen by the series, this Wagtail nests in 

 November, a hen bird having been shot off the eggs. In 

 February the birds moult, this stage being completed in 

 March, and it is curious to note that the narrow band across 

 the end of the greater wing-coverts is sometimes very distinct 

 and sometimes scarcely traceable, the white terminal edgings 

 being often obsolete. In a few individuals the median 

 coverts also shew a light bar at their ends, and I am unable 

 to trace any evidence that these are necessarily older birds. 

 These wing-bands become very much abraded in the breeding- 

 season. Two clutches of eggs were obtained, of an extra- 

 ordinary colour for a Pied Wagtail. They are uniform 

 stone-colour, with a slight indication of drab mottling. Axis 

 08 inch, diam. - 6. 



[The Wagtail was a very common bird throughout the 

 year, being found in pairs or small parties. It is a very tame 

 little bird, and will approach a person within a few feet. The 

 nest is built in a " sluit"-wall or in the bank of a dam : eggs 

 four in number.] 



106. Anthus crenatus. 



Anthus crenatus Finsch & Haiti. ; Sharpe, ed. Layard, 



