GREY-HEADED WAGTAIL. 
227 
damp, rank meadows, where low willows abound; and in pas¬ 
ture lands beside rivers, among the long grass. They do not, 
however, confine themselves to the water-side, but are found 
in autumn to frequent stubble-fields and sheep downs, at 
which time they associate with the meadow-pipit. Although 
not arboreal in their habits, these birds are often seen, like 
our own wagtails, among willows and low shrubs; their foot¬ 
ing upon the branches appears insecure, their feet and long 
hinder toes being more adapted for running upon the ground, 
than for perching. They run very quickly, stopping before 
they take flight; and on alighting fan their tails up and down 
several times. In manners, these birds are quick, restless, 
and shy; in the breeding-season they exhibit more confidence, 
especially when accompanied by their young, of whose safety 
they are very watchful. Early in autumn, these wagtails 
assemble in flocks, and are seen to fly about for several days, 
as if collecting for their migratory flight; on a sudden they 
disappear, and by October few are left behind. 
The Grey-headed Wagtail breeds in retired spots ; its nest 
is commonly placed upon the ground, in situations similar to 
those chosen by our common yellow species, and the eggs, as 
well as the nest, bear also great resemblance. 
The entire length of this species is six inches and a half. 
The wing, from the carpus to the tip, measures three inches 
two lines, and the tail extends about an inch and three- 
quarters beyond the tips of the wings. In the specimens 
that have come under our observation, the longest of the ter- 
tials do not reach to the tip of the quill-feathers by about 
two lines. The feet are larger and stronger than in most of 
this family; the tarsi measure nearly an inch, and the expanse 
of the foot is an inch and a half, that space being nearly 
equally divided between the middle and hinder toes; the 
claw of the hinder is four lines and a half in length, strong, 
and moderately arched. The first three quill-feathers of the 
