BLACK-HEADED YELLOW WAGTAIL. 149 



M, melanocephala, wliicli lie had seen, none were in a 

 transition state. M. Dubois endorses Count Milhle'a 

 views, and gives figures and description of the bird. 



Dr. Leith Adams informs me that this bird is iden- 

 tical with the J£ viridis of Scopoli, and that consequently 

 this name ought to have priority. Dr. Adams remarks: 

 — "B. viridis and melanocephala are identical, and I 

 have Mr. Blyth's authority for this opinion, (Cat. Mus. 

 As. Soc, No. 775-776, and Append., p. 325,) who 

 remarks, ^the birds acquire the bkie-grey feathers on the 

 head at the vernal moult, which change oftentimes to 

 black.' It is found in the Punjaub, Scinde, and India 

 generally, as well as in North Africa." 



With regard to the priority of name, as I have only 

 noticed this bird as a variety of M.Jlava, any alteration 

 would be unnecessary. The above remarks and quo- 

 tation by Dr. Adams, give further strength to the view 

 I have taken of the want of specific distinction in this 

 bird. 



The Black-headed Yellow Wagtail, or, as it is called 

 by Dubois, the Blackcap Wagtail, is found generally, 

 as it has appeared from the above remarks, in Algeria, 

 Egypt, Nubia, Arabia, Syria, Persia, and in Bokhara. 

 According to Miihle it is common, in the Morea. It 

 occurs in Dalmatia, Sicily, and the Caucasus. In 

 Germany, France, and Belgium it is accidental, and 

 rare in Italy. Taken by W. H. Simpson, Esq., at 

 Missolonghi, in Greece, June, 1859. 



In its habits it varies but little from the variety last 

 described. It is fond of pastures, plains, and marshes. 

 Dubois says that it is constantly on the ground; but 

 that it also is frequently found perching on the branches 

 of bushes, and on the stems of willows and osiers; 

 that they are very lively in their movements, but he 



