W H I T E -W I N G E D WAG T A IL .
Motacilla lugubris, Pall.
La Bergeronnette lugubre.
On referring to the accompanying description of the White Wagtail, our readers will find that considerable
confusion exists respecting the three species of Pied Wagtails inhabiting Europe; there cannot, however, be
the slightest doubt that the present bird is very distinct from the one so commonly dispersed over the British
Islands, and also from the White Wagtail, so abundant in France and the temperate portions of the continent
of Europe: iMependently of its larger size, and the white colouring of its wings, the Motacilla lugubris may
be readily distinguished from its European congeners by the conspicuous black mark between the bill and the
eye. Its true habitat is also much more eastwardly than that of the other two species, being scarcely ever
known to advance westward of the central parts of Europe. M. Temminck informs us that it is common in
the Crimea and in many parts of Hungary, and that it is very sparingly dispersed in Italy, Provence, and Picardy.
It is also found in Egypt, and in all probability in many parts of Asia Minor and the southern parts of Siberia.
It is extremely common in Japan, where, according to M. Temminck, it frequents the streams of mountain
valleys.
In its food and general economy, as well as in its seasonal changes, it strictly resembles the other members
of the genus.
In summer, the back part of the head and neck, a line from the bill to the eye, and from the eye to the
occiput, back, rump, six middle tail-feathers, throat and chest are black; the shoulders, tips and outer edges
of the primaries dark greyish brown; the remainder of the wings white, with the exception of the tertiaries,
which are brown in the centre; bill and feet black.
In winter the upper part of the throat is pure white; and the back and scapularies uniform grey instead of
black.
We have figured two birds, one in the plumage of summer, and the other in that of winter.