214 
MOTACILLID.E. 
hySESSOBES. 
DENTIROSTRES. MOTACILLIDJE. 
PLATE LXXXVI. 
GREY WAGTAIL. 
Motacilla boarula. {Linn.) 
The Grey Wagtail, which may readily, and at any dis¬ 
tance be distinguished from all its British congeners by the 
greater length of its tail, is far less abundant in this country 
than the preceding species. In its manners it much resembles 
the pied-wagtail, but is even more light and elegant in its 
actions, as well as more beautiful in its plumage. It appears, 
also, more decidedly a frequenter of river sides, at least such 
are its habits in winter, at which season these birds are found 
with tolerable frequency on the banks of the Thames and 
its tributary streams, Avhere they may be seen standing upon 
the clods of turf, or little islets of shingle that appear above 
the rippling water, or Avading into the stream in search of 
food. Their flight is remarkably light, OAving to their slender 
forms and lengthened tails. These birds are considered 
to be permanent residents in this country, without migrating 
to or from it, and such is probably the truth. Yet limited 
migrations from north to south take place, and it is the 
general impression that this species inhabits chiefly the 
northern parts of England in the summer, and the southern 
parts in the Avinter ; but this, although probably true of the 
greater number, does not apply to all, as instances have been 
frequently recorded of its remaining during summer in the 
