MOTACILLID.E, 
above stated, the discovery of tlie continental MotaciUa alba, 
as an inhabitant of this country. 
The White Wagtail occupies throughout the European 
Continent the place filled here by the pied species, and 
much resembles it in habits and manners. In summer, 
it is to be met with all over Europe, from Iceland, Sweden, 
and Norway, dowm to the most southern parts, and is found 
also in the northern parts of Asia. These birds are migra¬ 
tory in their habits, and appear to absent themselves from 
most European countries for a period, during severe weather. 
Mr. Drummond, in a list of the birds that frequent the 
island of Crete, mentions that a few specimens of the M. 
alba were seen at the end of April, after which they disap¬ 
peared. These were, doubtless, on their passage from Africa 
to Europe. In Corfu, we are informed, by the same gen¬ 
tleman, that these Wagtails are most numerous in winter, 
when they may be seen in large flocks, frequenting the 
marshes, and disappear in summer. 
On the Continent of Europe the White Wagtail is found 
in all situations of a moderately level character, inhabiting 
fields and cultivated parts, as well as heaths and moors. 
It frequents roadsides and open spaces in villages and towms, 
and delights to run upon the tops of low buildings, walls, 
and bridges, and to perch upon stacks of v^^ood, or piles 
of stones. Like our more common species, they also follow 
the husbandman in his various field occupations of ploughing 
and harrowing, etc., for the sake of the small insects that are 
turned up by the stirring of the soil. They are found upon 
or near the sea-coast, as well as in more inland parts, upon 
the banks of rivers, as well as in countries of a more dry and 
elevated character. These birds roost among the branches 
of low trees, such as pollard willows and brushwood, and 
also among rushes and reeds, and are frequently observed 
to congregate together, with considerable clamour, in some 
