WAGTAILS. 



521 



head and upper parts are streaked with brownish red, the throat 

 yellowish grey, the breast dull brownish red, a white spot on the 

 wings, and the upper tail coverts yellowish red. " In April," says 

 McGillivray, "it forms its nest, generally under some furze bush, 

 or other shrub, or among rank grass ; it is formed of stems and 

 blades of grasses, intermixed with moss, and lined with fine straws, 



Fig. 231. — The Willow Wren. 



fibrous roots, hair, and wool, as well as feathers. These birds mani- 

 fest intense anxiety should any one approach their nest, fluttering and 

 flitting about, and incessantly emitting their sharp, snapping note, 

 while endeavouring to lead the intruder off in pursuit of themselves." 

 Very much like the preceding in habits, and differing but slightly 

 in appearance, is the Whin-chat {Pratincola rubetrd). It, however, is 

 migratory, which its predecessor is not. ' 



The Wagtails (MofaaY/a) are remarkable for their slender, elegant 

 form ; the neck of moderate length; the head ovate, small, and 



