EOCK-PIPIT.
ANTHUS OBSCURUS {Lath.).
Alauda obscura, Latham, Ind. Orn. ii. p. 494 (1790).
Anthus aquaticus, Macg. ii. p. 1 9 1; Hewitson, i. p. 174.
Anthus obscurus, Yarr. ed. 4, i. p. 586; Dresser, iii. p. 343.
Pipi obscur, French; Strand-Pieper, German.
This species is a common resident on all the rocky
portions of onr coasts, and, indeed, in the winter is to
be found almost anywhere in the neighbourhood of salt
water. The nest is generally placed in a crevice of rock
or amongst the grasses or other low vegetation within a
short distance of the sea. I found a nest built among
the marram-grass on a sand-cliff at Bournemouth, within
5 or 6 feet of a constantly frequented path, and in a
locality not sufficiently steep to secure it from the intrusion
of any passing dog or cat. I have, however, good
reason to believe that the old bird took off her brood in
safety.
a# 4
Anthus obscurus (Lath.).
