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MEADOW TIPIT. 
authors. — This bird is in some districts ex- 
tremely abundant, and is distributed generally, 
where the locality is suitable, over our islands 
from north to south. Its most favourite haunts 
are the meadow lands, — in England, the downs 
or commons, particularly those of a muirish 
character ; and in Scotland, all the extensive 
ranges of low muir. In these situations it breeds, 
arriving in spring in great numbers near its places 
of incubation, and again partially departing after 
these duties have been performed ; and at times 
in spring and autumn it may be seen in flocks. 
It runs swiftly, feeding principally on insects, 
but occasionally also on seeds. In winter, it 
selects the moist places, or the sides of upland 
rills ; and in severe weather, it retires to the lower 
unenclosed pastures. In spring, it enlivens the 
muirs and more solitary downs by its numbers 
and its manner of singing while on the wing. 
This is practised by all our species ; and at this 
period of the year, on a beautiful morning, where 
the common Meadow Pipit is abundant, one may 
almost be constantly observed rising on the wing, 
or when, having attained a height of from forty 
to fifty feet, falling slowly with motionless wings 
and outspread tail, singing its gentle and little 
varied lay. At other times the song is even more 
simple, consisting of not more than two notes, 
and is uttered only when alarmed or intruded on. 
The nest is placed at the root of some hillock, 
tuft, or small bush, a structure warmly and neatly 
lined within, and often carefully concealed. The 
