CHAPTER LII. 



THE Pied Wagtail. 



Motadlla alha, Lin. ; La Lavandiere, Buf. 



Desceiption and Chaeacter. — The Pied Wagtail, better known 

 as tlie Water Wagtail, or Black and White Wagtail, and also 

 as the Dishwasher, is the commonest of any of the varieties 

 of this species. It is a familiar bird, and entertaining on account 

 of its peculiar habits and its evident desire to be on good 

 terms with mankind, in whose presence it exhibits no signs of 

 fear or mistrust. It is a droll bird, and most amusing to watch 

 when engaged in its favourite pursuit — catching flies. 



In warm weather, when flies are plentiful, it may be seen, 

 close to the margin of a stream, chasing aquatic insects, and 

 securing them in a rapid and dexterous manner, or wading a 

 little way in shallow water, in search of worms or grubs, or 

 baby minnows, which it seizes with great adroitness. These 

 birds may be frequently seen in pastures, threading their way 

 among a herd of browsing cattle, in search of the flies that 

 hover round the cow platter." In the breeding season, they 

 may frequently be seen to alight on the backs of cattle that lie 

 basking in the sunshine, and to tug out, remorselessly, mouth- 

 fuls of hair, with which they line their nests. They are, in this 

 matter, exceedingly audacious, and their bold, nonchalant 

 manner, combined with their peculiarities and social tempera- 

 ment, give them a charm which is recognised and appreciated by 

 most naturalists and lovers of birds. 



A fully-grown bird measures 7in. from beak to tail, the 

 latter being 3^in., and the former fin. The beak is thin and 



