YELLOW WAGTAIL. 
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but comparatively rare on the Continent, the 
other quite the reverse. Mr Gould, in modern 
times, was the first to perceive that a confusion 
existed in the nomenclature of the species ; and 
he applied the title of “ Neglecta” to the bird of 
the Continent. Lately the common British bird 
has received the honour of being named after 
Raj' ; but “ Flava ” having been given to it 
undoubtedly so far back as the time of Willughby 
and Ray, a change now seems uncalled for, and 
we have retained the ancient title. 
This bird is truly migratory, and forms one of 
the earliest additions to our summer Fauna, 
appearing early in March, or about the springing 
of the grains, whence it has received the common 
name of “ Oat-seed bird, or Oat-ear.” It is local 
in distribution, but where it occurs is met with 
in comparative frequency. Its favourite haunts 
are the low meadows and alluvial valleys 
watered by a gentle stream, where they may 
be met with in pairs running and searching for 
food on the bare spots or near the water, and 
perched on the summit of the tall plants or on 
the twigs of low brushwood ; when approached, 
it is quickly betrayed by the anxiety exhibited, 
and the female, if sitting, is soon induced to join 
her partner, from the frequent and urgent calls 
and notes of alarm. The nest is placed on the 
ground away from the stream, and is a slender 
rather careless structure, composed of roots and 
withered grasses, lined with fine leaves of the 
latter and hair. The eggs are pale wood brown, 
