MOTACILLIDAE—PIPITS.
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Yellow Wagtail: Motacilla raii.
A regular and common summer migrant, arriving early in April
and departing in September. I have never seen it, except occasion-
ally during the times of its migration in autumn and spring, or known
it to nest (though it seems formerly to have done so in Epping
Forest) in the inland parts of the county; but it breeds very com-
monly on the marshes and lowlands along the whole of our coast-
line, placing its nests in the sides of the mud walls. Mr. Buxton
says (47. 89) that in the neighbourhood of Epping Forest it "used to
be frequent in summer, but [is] now scarce."
Round Orsett, it is a common summer migrant, breeding on the marshes, where
the sea walls are a very favourite resort. When migrating, they may be seen at
short distances inland, but after having settled down to breed they are only seen
near the salt marshes (Sackett). At Harwich, it is very common and breeds (Kerry).
Dr. Laver says it occurs on the marshes near the sea in both the Colchester and
Paglesham districts, but he never knew it breed inland. It is common at Maldon
and is especially brilliant on its arrival. It nests in the footmarks left by cattle
at the sides of the marsh-ditches (Fitch).
Lieut. Legge, writing from South Shoebury in 1865, says (23. 9836) that"great
numbers * * * frequent the low cultivated and marsh lands of this coast and that
they nest in the sod-banks of the watercourses, and, on the approach of an intru-
der, circle round his head, uttering their note incessantly, endeavouring to their ut-
most to draw his attention away. The nest * * * is consequently rather difficult
to find."
Tree Pipit: Anthus trivialis.
A fairly-common summer
visitant, arriving early in
April and leaving us again
during September.
Mr. Buxton says (47. 89)
that in Epping Forest it is " fre-
quent about the borders of the
woods." Almost every year, Mr.
Fitch finds a nest or two in the
woods near Maldon, but it is not
common there.
[Richard's Pipit: Anthus richardi.
Mr. Clarke writes me, " Some years ago, there was a long-legged
lark which followed the plough and ran upon the land here. It
wagged its tail. The ploughman was a very observant man, and I
have always believed this to have been Richard's Pipit."]
Meadow Pipit: Anthus pratensis. Locally, "Titlark."
A common resident in some parts of the county, though not in
others; especially abundant on the marshes and saltings near the
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