WHITE WAGTAIL. 
cliosen spot of this description, 'whither they appear to resort 
from the country around. 
On the Continent of Europe, in similar latitudes with our 
own, they arrive in March and April from their winter quar¬ 
ters, and roost among reeds, as before mentioned, assembling 
soon after sunset and dispersing at daybreak. 
As soon as the willow-trees are in leaf they resort to them 
as a matter of course, and continue to frequent them during 
the breeding-season, and roost in such as overhang the watery 
bank on which the nest is placed. 
The young birds accompany the parents in their flights 
during the summer, and migrate with them in autumn. 
Before their departure they may be seen in small parties 
flying together, and pursuing one another with graceful and 
quick movements. 
In its general character, the White Wagtail is restless 
and active, social in its habits, and consequently everywhere 
well known. From the first dawn of morning till dark they 
are constantly in motion, and, although they have consider¬ 
able exercise in providing food, they still further employ 
their activity in chasing one another, and frequently join 
other small birds in pursuing and driving oflT birds of prey. 
On the ground they run at an indescribably swift pace, and, 
considering that they nod with their heads at each step, the 
bodily exercise of these birds is wonderful. Their flight 
is in long arches, and performed in about mid-elevation. 
The food of the White Wagtail consists of various kinds 
of insects and their larvae, which they readily obtain in all 
the different situations they frequent, either among the stones 
on the banks of rivers, or upon green water weeds, on the 
roofs of buildings, or in ploughed fields. 
The nest of this bird is differently situated, according to 
existing circumstances; it generally occupies a hole, but 
shelter appears to be more sought after than concealment, 
