The ROCK WAGTAIL (_Motacilla Lichtensteinii_) inhabits the valley of
the Nile, and frequents such parts of that river as are traversed by
rocks or huge masses of stone. Its plumage is simple but striking in
its coloration; the entire mantle, sides of throat, and breast, are of
a rich deep black; a stripe over the eyes, a patch on the throat, a
spot on the wing-covers, the exterior tail-feathers, and under side are
white; the eye is brown; the beak and feet black. In its movements this
species closely resembles those of its family already described, but is
distinguished from them by its habit of frequenting such portions of rock
or stone as are entirely surrounded by water; in Nubia it is very common,
but is rarely met with in any but the most stony districts. According to
our own experience the Rock Wagtail lives in pairs, each couple keeping
within the limits of its own domain, and violently resenting any attempt
at intrusion. Like the rest of their brethren these birds are extremely
quarrelsome, and live in a state of constant warfare with such of the
northern species as take up their winter quarters in their vicinity. The
nests which we found were always situated in holes or clefts in the rocks.