Nesting of tlic White Wagtail.



323



to the Plovers. Only about six species are known. Mr. Goodfellow

found them on bare and desolate districts in Central Chili, on high

ground.


I have not yet put the pair that I took away with me from

Burrswood in an outdoor aviary, but when I do, I feel sure I must

clip their primaries on one side, or they would certainly fly suddenly

up and kill themselves against a wire roof. In the bird-room, I let

them run about the floor, where although inclined to take fright

suddenly, they are as a rule quite tame. When kept in a cage they

require a turf, or peat moss, for their small feet are apt to become

clogged with sand.


The male bird at times uplifts his body and gives out a

curious ‘ crow,’ which sounds not unlike a wheel in some machinery,

rapidly moving round and in need of oil.


Although in a wild state Seed Snipe are said to be graniverous,

I find mine will greedily eat fresh ants’ cocoons. They are also fond

of green food, which is undoubtedly essential to their well-being.

If they live through the winter, and they seem extremely healthy

and easy to keep, it will be most interesting if they nest and breed

later on.



NESTING OF THE WHITE WAGTAIL.


Motacilla alba.


By W. E. Teschemakek.


I propose to curtail my notes on this most interesting species

for several reasons, one of which is that I recently contributed to

“Cage Birds” an article giving the fullest possible details of its

habits both in captivity and in freedom, its migration routes, etc.

To the migration routes mentioned in the above article, I may briefly

add that our member, Major Perreau, has informed me that there is

a vertical migration of this species in the Himalayas, the adults

moving up to the higher altitudes to nest in spring and returning

in autumn with their young. The migration routes of the species

in North America should also have been worked out, but I do not

wish to go into that matter now.


Perhaps those of our members who are beginners will better



