2488 Birds. 



which marks those that visit us in the spring. In the latter, the light 

 parts of their plumage are of more snowy whiteness, and the dark 

 parts of a deeper black : they may be readily distinguished by these 

 characteristics. Previously to the departure of the migratory portion 

 (which consists chiefly of young birds) after the breeding-season, they 

 roost at night on the thorn and alder bushes by our small rivulets. 

 Where the bushes grow thickly together, fifty or sixty birds may be 

 startled in as many yards ; and I have no doubt they collect together 

 in this manner for the purpose of migrating in a party. 



Gray Wagtail (Motacilla boarula). Some few remain here the 

 summer through, but the greater number may be considered winter 

 visitors. I have never seen a nest. During the mild weather of win- 

 ter they haunt the rapid streams or drains in irrigated meadows; but 

 when frosts occur they draw nearer to the village, frequently coming 

 about sinks and gutters, close to house doors, and perching on the 

 tops of houses. 



Gray-headed Wagtail {Motacilla neglecta). November 23, 1846: 

 one killed near Melbourne. 



Ray's Wagtail {Motacilla Jlava). October 13, 1846: noticed one 

 so late in the season as this, — an unusual occurrence, as they usually 

 leave in September. In my mind this bird is always associated with 

 the different spring operations of husbandry, for he invariably appears 

 when such take place. During the sowing of barley they may always 

 be seen in the field sporting lightly around the industrious teams, tak- 

 ing short flights from one clod of earth to another, moving their tails 

 with a buoyant fan-like motion, and delightfully displaying to the sun 

 their brilliant yellow breasts. Their nests are found by agricultural 

 labourers when weeding young corn, about the middle of May, placed 

 on the ground. On May 12, 1845, I noticed by the Trent eight indi- 

 viduals of M. Rayii, all males and in one party, which I considered 

 singular, as the generality had paired and were occupied with nests 

 and eggs. They might have been birds just arrived. One autumn I 

 counted seven, which seemed to be a family party on their way south- 

 wards. 



Tree Pipit (Alauda trivialis). See Zool. 658. 



Meadow Pipit {Alauda pratensis). Freely distributed over the 

 meadow grounds in summer, and uplands in winter, at which latter 

 season it is found amongst sheep which are folded on turnips. They 

 commence their song frequently in February, which gives additional 

 interest to a pastoral district. " December 16, 1846: very severe 

 frost and some snow. Larks and meadow pipits have nearly all dis- 



