9 
9) 
a small lake surrounded by snow on the Zoji-la Pass. Doubtless the bird breeds in both pro- 
vinces. The specimens obtained in May, June, and July were all in full breeding-plumage.” 
Severtzoff, who met with it in Turkestan, states that it is there only a migrant, occurring in the 
south-eastern, south-western, and north-western portions of the country to an altitude of about 
8000 to 4000 feet. Here, as in India, Cashmere, and Ladak, there are two distinct forms, which 
Severtzoff considers only varieties, but which seem to me to be perfectly good species, viz. the 
present species with a black collar and grey back, and Motacilla citreoloides, which, in full 
plumage, has the upper parts deep velvety black. Where this latter species breeds I cannot 
-say; but it does not appear to have so extensive a range as the present species, as I have never 
seen it from Dauria or from Russia in Europe—indeed, only from Turkestan, Cashmere, and 
India. Motacilla citreola, however, occurs in Siberia, where Von Middendorff met with it 
breeding in small numbers on the Boganida in 71° N. lat. Dr. G. Radde, who found it in 
South-east Siberia, where Von Middendorff did not observe it, says that the first arrived on 
the Tarei-nor about the 18th April, and on the 30th they were seen paired. In the Eastern 
Sajan Mountains he first met with it on the Tunka Plain on the 23rd April; on the 8th May it 
became commoner; and on the 13th of that month it was seen paired. He did not observe it 
in the autumn. It breeds in Dauria, as I have eggs from there; and Dr. Dybowski says that 
it is tolerably common. Pere David records it as not uncommon in Mongolia in spring; and 
Mr. R. Swinhoe says (P. Z. S. 1871, p. 364) that he obtained it at Szechuen, in China, and came 
across a small party of this Wagtail on the Upper Yangtsze in May. 
In its habits the present species assimilates closely with the other Wagtails, but appears 
to be much more of a marsh bird, as it is said to be always found in swampy low localities, 
and never in dry elevated places. Little is on record respecting its habits or nidification ; but 
some notes by Dr. Dybowski, being the result of personal observation, published by Dr. Tacza- 
nowski in the Journal fiir Orn. (1873, p. 82) are of interest; and I therefore translate them as 
follows:—It arrives here (Darasun, Dauria) in the breeding-season, and is very common, 
appearing in vast flocks about the latter half of April. It places its nest on the ground in 
swampy places, and hides it most carefully under dry grass, low bushes, or else amongst the 
moss which grows on the peaty soil. The nest is constructed of this marsh-moss with dry 
grass-bents, and is strongly and regularly built. It measures 110 millims. in outside diameter, 
55 millims. in height, 65 inside diameter, and 35 inside depth. About the latter end of June 
the female deposits five, rarely six, eggs, in the incubation of which the male bird assists. 
When one is sitting its mate keeps careful watch in the neighbourhood, and warns the sitting. 
bird when danger threatens. The latter then runs off the nest, and both seek to lure the 
intruder away. So soon as the danger is over they return to the nest, but not directly, and 
only with the greatest caution; and therefore the nest is most difficult to find. ‘The best mode 
is to seek for the nest during drizzling rain, when the female leaves her eggs unwillingly, and 
does not fly off until nearly trodden on. So soon as the young (which differ greatly from their 
parents in appearance) are reared, they all leave; but stragglers have been observed as late as 
the 24th August.” 
In my collection is a clutch of six eggs of this Wagtail obtained by Dr. Dybowski in Dauria, 
and sent over here with the birds. In coloration and general appearance these eggs resemble 
Q 
