SKETCHES OF EUROPEAN ORNITHOLOGY. 
187 
so common in France and Europe, generally, never visits our islands, and it would 
appear that our bird is almost equally unknown in the temperate portions of the 
Continent. The question therefore arises as to the species to which it must be 
referred : we are inclined to believe it quite distinct from M. lugubris , and a 
species inhabiting the Eastern and Southern portions of the Continent, and with 
which it has by some naturalists been considered as identical; should this 
ultimately prove to be the case, the English bird will require to be characterized 
under a new specific designation. The Channel appears in fact to constitute the 
boundary of these species, as is also the case with M. neglecta and M. flava. The 
true M. alba differs from our species more in its colouring than in other respects : 
neither in its full nuptial dress nor at any other period does it exhibit the deep 
black colouring on the back which is so conspicuous in the British species. 
“ The White Wagtail frequents meadows, particularly those in the neighbour¬ 
hood of running streams, also villages, cities, belfries, towers, &c. It is common 
in Africa and the high lands of India.”—Feeds on insects and their larvae. The 
nest is built in hollow places, and the eggs, six in number, are bluish white, 
spotted with black. 
Common Shoveller, Rhynchaspis clypeata ,—Canard souchet, Fr.— -Anatra 
mestolone, It. —Loffel Ente, G. —A male and female are finely given, rather less 
than the natural size. Ranges throughout the temperate portions of Europe, the 
North of Africa, and the greater part of India. Mr. Gould suggests that the 
Summer moult which takes place more especially in marsh birds, and which leaves 
the male with a duller plumage than at other times, may be for the purpose 
of 44 rendering the fostering parent less conspicuous at this critical period.” We, 
however, consider this unlikely, as the males of some species of Anatidce which 
undergo a Summer moult take no pains whatever to conceal themselves from 
view during the period of incubation, but rather the contrary. Prefers lakes and 
inward waters to saline waters, and feeds on larvce, vegetables, &c. Constructs 
a nest of coarse herbage 44 in the central parts of marshes,” laying ten or twelve 
pale green eggs. The female wants the bright tints which distinguish the other 
sex in Spring and part of Summer. 
Marsh Reedling, Salicaria arundinacea ,—Becfin des-roseaux, Fr. —Rhor 
Sanger, G. —A male and female figure on the plate, with too apparent an attempt 
at effect, and too little realization of it. Inhabits the temperate portions of the 
Continent; in England we have not traced it further North than Derbyshire. 
In habits, &c., it closely resembles the Sedge Reedling, but differs in several 
particulars not mentioned by Mr. Gould, and which, for want of room, we cannot 
here record. 
Natterer’s Warbler, Sylvia Nattereri ,—Becfin Natterer, Fr. —A male is re¬ 
presented, but it lacks the freedom of Nature. Common in Algesiras, Provence, 
VOL. IV.—-no. xxviii. 2 c 
