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by large arrivals from the north. I have seen it on the shores of the Lower Danube, and 
possess examples from near Constantinople. In Southern Russia it is not-so numerous as 
Motacilla alba, and, Dr. Radde says (J. f. O. 1854, p. 58), does not appear to breed there, but 
passes further north. Dr. Kriiper, who met with it in Asia Minor, says that it occurs only on 
the two seasons of passage, and it also passes through Palestine. 
In North-east Africa both this species and Motacilla viridis occur during passage and in 
winter; but Captain Shelley remarks that they keep apart, and that whereas he found I. viridis 
common in Egypt in March, he only met with MW. flava about the middle of April in Nubia 
migrating northward. Von Heuglin says that it winters south of Nubia, and he observed it in 
September and November on the Danakil and Somali coasts. Mr. Blanford obtained a specimen 
in full breeding-plumage at Lake Ashangi early in April; and Mr. Jesse observed it commonly 
about Zoulla and Koomaylee in Abyssinia, in March. In North-west Africa it is also common, 
being most numerous during the seasons of passage, but some also remain to breed. Mr. Salvin 
writes (Ibis, 1859, p. 310) that he “ observed it at Kef Laks, apparently on passage. It after- 
wards occurred in plenty at Zana and Ain Djendeli. It appears local in its distribution, but 
common where it is found.” During the winter it ranges far south in Africa. Messrs. Shelley 
and Buckley say that it is very abundant in West Africa; and Mr. Andersson writes (B. of 
Damara Land, p. 112) as follows:—‘“I had been fifteen years in Damara Land before I became 
aware of the existence of this Wagtail, which I first observed at Objimbinque in 1865, when I 
obtained a few specimens, nearly all of which were immature. It is a migratory bird, and 
appears only in or about the rainy season.” Wahlberg obtained a male at Port Natal; and 
Mr. Ayres writes (Ibis, 1871, p. 154) as follows :—*“ It appears in the Transvaal in our spring in 
considerable numbers, and leaves again about the latter end of April; they do not appear to nest 
here, neither are they in good plumage.” 
The present species occurs as far east as China. It was on one occasion obtained by 
Mr. Blanford in Persia. In India it is a common winter visitant, retiring further north to 
breed. I have received numerous specimens from Mr. W. E. Brooks, as well as of Motacilla 
viridis; and Mr. A. O. Hume says (Stray Feathers, ii. p. 238) that the present species 
is, according to Mr. Davison, abundant both at the Andamans and Nicobars. It occurs in 
Siberia. Von Middendorff appears to have met with J. viridis on the Boganida and in the 
Stanowoi Mountains; but Von Schrenck, who says that it occurs throughout the Amoor 
country, states that examples he obtained were referable to the present species. It arrives 
there in May and leaves in September. Dr. Radde obtained the present species at Tarei-nor, 
where it breeds. Pere David says that it is very common at the two seasons of passage in 
Mongolia; and Mr. Swinhoe says that it is found in China generally, and that the South-China 
form is the present one, JZ. flava, whereas in North China JV. viridis is met with. 
The present species has likewise occurred in the western Nearctic Region; for Messrs. Dall 
and Bannister obtained it in Alaska, and the latter gentleman writes (B. of Alaska, in Trans. 
Chic. Ac. Sc. p. 277) that he ‘‘first observed this species at St. Michael’s about the 9th or 10th 
of June, and from that until well into the month of August they were among the most abundant 
birds, perhaps after Plectr. lapponicus the most abundant of the strictly terrestrial species. 
During the month of June I observed them generally in flocks of twenty to thirty individuals. 
