ROCK-PIPIT. 
3 
or two showed the vinous tint to anv extent Tn n n ,i nonn t 
visiting their haunts in 1870 I found their numbers had considerably faUen^ finfspedmenT 
tirihem™ tte 20411 23th ° £ April> WhiCh h tll ° IatCst dato “ which I have mei 
On many occasions during the past ten years I have closely searched these parts of the coast, but not 
a single speemaen was rdenhfied. By carefully examining the footmarks on the soft mud round the pools 
it was easy to learn if these favourite spots were frequented by any number of the Pipit tribe. As far as 
I am able to judge, these birds seem now to have entirely changed their line of flight. The only specimen 
I ever obtained or even observed beyond the borders of Sussex was shot on March 14, 1871. on the Norfolk 
coast, at a marshy pool near Horsey : for the season of the year it was far advanced in plumage. 
As stated previously, the winter dress so closely resembles that of our common Rock-Pipit, that I have 
been unable to detect the slightest difference, a careful search being needed in order to discover the one or 
two vmous-tmted feathers on the breast that formed the sole distinguishing marks in the specimens obtained 
unng the early part of the season. I have, however, been favoured with a view of preserved specimens 
declared by scientific naturalists to belong to this form of Pipit, in the winter plumage. I must confess that’ 
though unwilling to question the decision of those eminent authorities, I was utterly unable to learn from 
what outward and visible signs they had formed their judgment. I have closely watched the genuine Rock- 
Pipit of the Rntish Islands and also the Scandinavian form ; and in flight, actions, manner of feeding, and note 
the two birds seemed identical. 
According to my own observations, the Scandinavian Rock-Pipit does not remain and breed in the British 
Islands. I never remarked the birds frequenting situations where it was probable they would select a site 
for a nest. 
The Plate shows Scandinavian form of the Eock-Pipit. The figures are taken from specimens 
obtained between Shoreham and Lancing towards the end of April 1870. 
