PIED, OR YARRELL S WAGTAIL. 195 
vated lands in their vicinity. At this season 
insects form a great proportion of their food, 
which they actively seize by running at on the 
ground, or by rising a short way in pursuit of 
them ; and for this purpose the roofs of buildings, 
tops of walls, &c. are much frequented, on account 
of the various diptera and winged flies which 
resort there to enjoy the warmth of the sunbeams. 
These flocks continue near their favourite haunts 
for a few weeks, and gradually disperse, many of 
them, undoubtedly, leaving the island as the 
winter advances. The birds, which remain sta- 
tionary, may be seen singly, or in pairs, frequent- 
ing the farm yard, the streets of villages, the 
vicinity of mills, &c. In spring we again receive 
an accession of numbers ; and in addition to the 
localities we have alluded to, they are seen, in 
parties of from four or fiye to a dozen, attending 
the plough, or feeding among the sheep, which 
have been netted on turnip lands. On the 
change to milder weather they betake themselves 
to their usual breeding stations, returning for 
years in succession to the same place, and placing 
their nests either very near, or in its former site. 
The nest is constructed externally of roots or 
small twigs, and is lined with hair and fine 
grasses. It is placed at no great elevation, 
though very seldom on the level ground, and in 
every situation is almost always supported against 
something, a ledge of rock, bank, tree, or wall.* 
Two broods are reared annually, and the parents 
* Hewitson. 
