grey-headed 
IE. 
MOTACILLA FLAFA . 
Ihe Grey-headed Wagtail, it looked for with care, may be met with every spring along the coast of Sussex. 
I never detected this species alighting on the salt-water mudbanks, or in such close proximity to the sea- 
shore as the White W agtail, all that came under my observation in this locality being noticed a short distance 
inland. As far as 1 have been able to judge, the Grey-headed closely resembles the Yellow Wagtail in its 
habits and the localities to which it resorts. I am well acquainted with certain spots about a mile from the 
sea-coast, between Brighton and Shoreham, where a pair or two might be found at almost any time during May. 
In Norfolk I have also recognized two or three males of this species in the marshes within a short 
distance of Breydon mudflats; occasionally I remarked the same birds, or others closely resembling them 
(when carefully examined through powerful glasses, the variations in the grey of the head or the clouded 
markings among the yellow feathers on the breast can readily be distinguished), frequenting the pastures in 
the vicinity ot the wall on several consecutive days. As I removed from Yarmouth at the end of the month 
when the flocks of Waders, which then claimed my attention, had ceased to fly, I was unable to ascertain 
if they remained and bred in the neighbourhood. According to my note-books, I recognized this species in 
either the north or south marshes every season while awaiting the spring flight on Breydon muds. 
It is only in Sussex, Kent, and Norfolk that I positively identified the Grey-headed Wagtail. There is 
little doubt this species breeds not uncommonly within a few miles of Brighton. I repeatedly observed 
males frequenting two or three of the sheep-ponds that are scattered over the downs at seasons when it was 
most probable the female was sitting close at hand. 
An adult male and female are figured in the Plate. When first killed, the head and upper part of the 
neck of the female exhibits a strongly marked grey shade. Though the colour is fainter, it appears, when 
seen in certain lights, almost as conspicuous as the clear bluish-grey tint on the head of the male. I mention 
this fact, as it is highly probable that females of the Yellow Wagtail (if showing a rather whiter line 
than usual over the eye) have been occasionally mistaken and figured for this species. The male represented 
in the Plate was shot April 17, 1874, about a mile west of Brighton ; and the female was procured within a 
short distance of the same spot ten days later. This female was in company with an exceedingly brightly 
marked male; and the pair had, I am of opinion, taken up their quarters for the season. On passing the 
spot during the second week in May, a pair were again discovered frequenting the same locality; and I 
conclude the male had already consoled himself by a fresh partner for the loss of his former mate. 
