BRITISH BIRDS AT WIESBADEN. 15 



noticed during autumn and winter, but in spring comparatively 

 few remain. I am convinced a movement of migration or 

 emigration takes place. 



Wren {Troglodytes parvulus). — It is a resident, but not 

 very often seen, being shy and skulking about small bushes 

 in the woods. 



White Wagtail {Motacilla alba). — Great numbers pass the 

 summer here, but I have never observed it in winter. 

 Throughout September small parties of five to twelve were 

 migrating. 



Grey Wagtail {Motacilla melanope). — Arrives at the end of 

 March and hatches its young a month later ; frequents rocky 

 streams on the mountain sides. 



Tree Pipit {Anthus trivialis). — Met with only once or 

 twice, and then in heather at some altitude. 



Woodchat {Lanius pomeranus). — Fairly numerous, using 

 the same nesting materials and much the same sites as 

 L. collurio, but the eggs are more pointed at the lower end. 



Redbacked Shrike {Lanius collurio). — A most common and 

 conspicuous summer migrant. Nests in almost any bush or 

 hedge, and on one slope covered with bushes I found eleven 

 nests within the space of a mile. The male is noisy on the 

 nest being approached, but the female sometimes sits very 

 closely. The bird destroys great numbers of insects and 

 moths, for I have watched it for hours perching on the topmost 

 twig of a bush, and then darting out upon them, but before 

 all things it prefers small lizards. I have never seen it attack 

 a bird. 



Lesser Grey Shrike {Lanius minor). — Seen from time to 

 time. 



Spotted Flycatcher (Muscicapa grisola). — A summer visitor. 

 Most often seen on the ground after a shower. 



Swallow {Hiricndo rustica) . — Found here in large numbers ; 

 arrives a few days later and departs a few days earlier than the 

 martin. My observations in England exactly reversed this 

 order. 



Martin (Ghelidon urbica). — Also found in great numbers; 

 they wade about in puddles and collect mud for the nest from 

 the sides. 



