The STONE PIPIT, or FALLOW-LAND PIPIT (_Agrodroma campestris_), the
largest member of this family, represents a group of slenderer form, and
having a stronger beak and foot than those above described. The length
of this species is from six inches and three-quarters to seven inches,
its breadth ten inches and a half to ten inches and three-quarters;
the wing measures three inches and a quarter, and the tail two inches
and five-sixths. The upper parts of the body are pale yellowish grey,
sparsely marked with clearly-defined dark spots; the under side is
dirty yellowish white; the feathers over the crop have dark streaks on
the shafts; a light yellow line passes over the eye; and the wings are
decorated with yellowish white stripes. The young are darker, and their
feathers edged with yellow. The region of the crop is also much spotted.
The Fallow-land Pipit frequents unfruitful, arid, or stony localities,
such as are avoided by other members of the family, and is far more
numerous in the southern countries of Europe than in the northern parts
of our continent. Bolle tells us that it inhabits the hottest and most
barren districts of the Canaries in very large numbers, and in the
Balearic Isles it is one of the commonest birds; we have ourselves met
with it during the winter in all parts of North-eastern Africa and in
Soudan. Jerdon also mentions it as frequenting some parts of India. It
is a remarkable fact that though this species is so numerous in the
Balearic Isles, it is comparatively rarely seen in Spain, except during
its migrations. In most parts of Europe it usually arrives in April and
leaves for warmer regions at the end of August; in fine weather the
flocks journey by day, but if the season be unfavourable they pursue
their course principally during the night. In its movements and habits
the Fallow-land Pipit much resembles both the Larks and Wagtails. It
runs upon the ground with extraordinary rapidity, usually preferring
the furrows of ploughed fields or dry ditches, when in search of food,
and frequently pauses in its labours to perch upon a stone or clod,
and survey surrounding objects; while thus quietly resting, the body
is held erect and the tail lowered, but when the bird is excited, the
tail is agitated after the manner of a Wagtail. When in flight the
wings rapidly open and close, the undulatory course thus produced being
diversified by a slow hovering motion, or by a direct descent towards the
earth, with pinions completely closed. Such of these birds as inhabit
Europe are extremely shy, but those occupying the Canary and Balearic
Isles boldly approach the houses, and evidently prefer to be in the
immediate neighbourhood of man. The song of the Fallow-land Pipits is
extremely simple and monotonous. During the breeding season each pair
takes possession of a certain spot, from whence they drive off every
intruder, and the male at once commences a series of vocal exercises for
the entertainment of his mate; these he carols forth as he soars in the
air. The nest, which consists of moss, earth, and dry leaves, lined with
softer materials, is built upon the ground. The first eggs are laid about
the end of May, and in July the nestlings are fully fledged.
[Illustration: THE FALLOW-LAND PIPIT (_Agrodroma campestris_).]
"The Stone Pipit (_Agrodroma campestris_)," says Jerdon, "is found in
suitable places in India. I have found it most abundant in the Deccan,
at Mhoa, in Central India, and on the Eastern Ghauts; it is rare in the
Carnatic. Blyth has it from Midnapore and the North-western Provinces. It
frequents barren, open, stony land, and is never found in rich pastures.
It breeds in this country (India). In Palestine it is recorded as
frequenting the lower plains and hills."
[Illustration: WREN AND WAGTAILS.]
* * * * *
The SPURRED PIPITS (_Corydalla_) are recognisable by their large size,
pointed wing (in which the three first quills are of equal length), their
long tail, incised at its extremity, and high slender foot, the hinder
toe of which is furnished with a claw of great length.