THE YELLOW WAGTAIL* 
671 
ever, remain long in one place, for its habits are active, 
and it is ever on the move. Its flight is light and quick, 
and is easily distinguished from that of other birds, by its 
character: it is composed of a series of arch-like sweeps, 
in which the bird rises and falls with a certain amount of 
regularity; it does not care to fly any great distance, only 
doing so when migrating. Its note much resembles that 
of the common species, except during pairing time, when 
the song of the male is much richer and more sonorous 
than that of our pied friend. 
The Yellow Wagtail feeds on small insects, mollusks, 
and worms; ephemera, small dragonflies, midges, flies, 
♦ 
and larvae of all sorts, are to be found in its stomach when 
killed. It seeks its prey either in the water itself or on 
its borders. 
The duties of breeding are commenced in the latter 
half of the month of March. The male, perched on some 
favourite spot, calls to his mate with trembling wings and 
ruffled plumage, switching his tail at the same time. 
Now the two playfully chase one another along the strand. 
Arrived at some smooth, sandy spot at the brook-side, the 
male runs round and round his spouse with drooping, 
quivering wings, wagging his tail, or carrying it out¬ 
spread, until she acknowledges his tender attentions. At 
this season this bird’s peculiar intolerance of others of its 
own species reaches the culminating point. 
Even while pairing a suitable locality is sought where 
to build the nest. This is always placed near the brook, 
generally on the very bank itself, in some natural hole or 
cavity, amongst stones, old masonry or brick-work, 
tangled roots, in hollow trees, &c.; the size of the 
structure depends upon the space to be filled up. The 
outside of the nest is composed of small roots, fibres, 
