BLACK-HEADED A'ELLOW WAGTAIL. 
149 
M. melanocephala, which he had seen, none were in a 
transition state. M. Dubois endorses Count Miihle’s 
views, and gives figures and description of the bird. 
Dr. Leith Adams informs me that this bird is iden- 
tical Avith the M. viridis of Scopoli, and that consequently 
this name ought to have priority. Dr. Adams remarks: 
— “B. viridis and melanocejihala are identical, and I 
have Mr. Blyth’s authority for this opinion, (Cat. Mus. 
As. Soc., No. 775-776, and Append., p. 325,) who 
remarks, ^the birds acquire the blue-grey feathers on the 
head at the vernal moult, Avhich change oftentimes to 
black.’ It is found in the Punjaub, Scinde, and India 
generally, as well as in North Africa.” 
With regard to the priority of name, as I have only 
noticed this bird as a variety of M. Jlava, any alteration 
would be unnecessary. The above remarks and quo- 
tation by Dr. Adams, give further strength to the view 
I have taken of the want of specific distinction in this 
bird. 
The Black-headed Aiello av Wagtail, or, as it is called 
by Dubois, the Blackcap Wagtail, is found generally, 
as it has appeared from the above remarks, in Algeria, 
Egypt, Nubia, Arabia, Syria, Persia, and in Bokhara. 
According to Miihle it is common in the Morea. It 
occurs in Dalmatia, Sicily, and the Caucasus. In 
Germany, France, and Belgium it is accidental, and 
rare in Italy. Taken by W. H. Simpson, Esq., at 
Missolonghi, in Greece, June, 1859. 
In its habits it varies but little from the A^ariety last 
described. It is fond of pastures, plains, and marshes. 
Dubois says that it is constantly on the ground; but 
that it also is frequently found perching on the branches 
of bushes, and on the stems of aauUoaa's and osiers; 
that they are very lively in their movements, but he 
