m
G R E Y - H E A D E D W A G T A I L.
MOTACILLA FLAVA.
Tills Qrty-hewUd Wagtail, if looked for with Cwre, may be met with every spring along the eoast of Sussex.
I never detected ibis species alighting on tin' -alt-water mudbaiiks, or in such close proximity to the seashore
us Hie White Wagtail, all that came under my observation In tins locality being noticed a short distance
inland. As far as 1 have been aide to judge, the Orej-bewded oloeery resembles the Yellow Wagtail in lis
huhils and the localities to which it resorts. 1 am well acquainted with certain spits about a mile from the
seu-coast, between Brighton and Sliorcham, where a pair or two might he found at almost any time during -May.
In Norfolk I have ulso recognized two or three males of this species in the marshes within a short
distance of Hreydon mudllals; occasionally 1 remarked the suae birds, or others closely resembling them
(when carefully examined through powerful glasses, the variations in the grey of the head or the clouded
marking* among the yellow feathers on lie' breast can readilv lie distinguished), frequenting the pastures in
the vicinity of the wall on several consecutiie days. As I removed from Yarmouth at the end of the month
when the flocks of Waders, which then claimed my attention, had ceased to fly, I was unable to ascertain
if they remained and bred in the neighbourhood. According to my note-hooks, I recognized this species in
either the north or south marshes every season while awaiting the spring Might on Hreydon muds.
I t is only in Sussex, Kent, and Norfolk that I positively ideutilied the I irev -headed Wagtail. There is
little doubt this species breeds not uncaiuinoiily within a few miles of Brighton. I repeatedly observed
males frequenting two or three of the sheep-ponds lhat are scattered over the downs at seasons when if was
most probable the female was sitting close at band.
An adult male and female are figured in the Hate. When first killed, the head ami upper part of the
neck of the female exhibits a strongly marked grey shade. Though the colour is fainter, it appears, when
seen in certain lights, almost as conspicuous as tin' char bluish-grey tint on the head of the male. I mention
this fact, as it is highly probable that females of the Yellow Wagtail (if showing a rather whiter lino
than usual over the eye) have been occasionally mistaken and figure,1 for Ibis species. The male represented
in the Plata was shot April 17, 1S7A, about a mile west of Krighlon ; and the female was procured within ;i
short distance of the same spot ten days later. This female »M in company with an exceedingly brightly
marked male; and the pair had, I am of opinion, taken up their quarters for the season. On passing the
spot during the second week in May, a pair were again disoovered frequenting the same locality; and I
conclude the male had already consoled himself by a fresh partner for the loss of his former mate.