THE WHITE WAGTAIL. 



Motacilla alba, Linnaeus. 

 Plate ii. 



This species is a fairly common spring visitor to our shores, passing southwards 

 again in autumn, and is found over the greater part of Europe, where it is the 

 common form of Pied Wagtail. Apparently, from want of observation, it was 

 unknown as a British bird until Mr. Bond found it nesting at Kingsbury Reservoir, 

 near London, in May 1841. 



The situations selected for the nest are like those chosen by the Pied Wagtail, 

 and the eggs are very much the same. 



In habits it is not to be distinguished from the other, and their notes are 

 also alike. 



The female has the colours duller, and less black on the head than her mate. 



I. 



73 



K 



