The MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (_Calobates sulphurea_) represents a group of
Wagtails recognisable by their comparatively short wings, long tail, and
delicate beak; the sexes also differ in the coloration of their plumage.
During the spring the male is deep grey upon the back and sulphur-yellow
on the under side; the black throat is divided from the grey back by
a white line, a similar streak passes above the eyes, and the wing is
enlivened by two light grey stripes; when quite old the females resemble
their mates, but the yellow under side is of a paler hue, and the black
on the throat less pale; when young, the females have only a white or
dingy grey spot on the throat. The young of both sexes are of a dull
ash-grey above and yellowish grey beneath, the throat is greyish black,
spotted with blackish grey; the eye is dark brown, the beak black, and
the foot horn-grey. This species is seven inches and two-thirds in
length, and its breadth is nine inches and three-quarters; the wing
measures three inches and a quarter, and the tail four inches.
The Mountain Wagtail occupies not only European mountains, but those of
Asia and Africa. It is comparatively rare in Northern Europe, but is
numerously met with about the lofty peaks of its southern portions. The
great extent of country over which this species is found is the more
remarkable, because even such Mountain Wagtails as inhabit Central Europe
either remain throughout the year in their native haunts, or merely
wander for a comparatively short distance in a southerly direction.
Bolle tells us that they are commonly seen in the Canary Islands; and
Jerdon informs us that they appear in India in September, leaving again
about the first week in May; this latter statement is worthy of notice
from the fact that such as quit Europe at the approach of autumn do not
leave us earlier than September, and return before May. The localities
to which these birds usually resort are in the vicinity of mountain
streamlets and lakes, but they are also frequently seen about meadows
or upon house-tops, and in some countries evidently prefer the society
of man. Their flight is light, rapid, and often long sustained; they
move upon the ground with the utmost ease, turning their bodies about
as they run, much after the fashion of an animated dancer. The tail is
held slightly raised, in order to prevent it from getting wet, and great
care is taken to prevent any part of the plumage from being soiled. So
entirely are they without fear of man, that they not only freely venture
close to his dwellings, but permit a friendly stranger to approach
near to them, without quitting the spot on which they are perched. If,
however, they feel that they are pursued, they at once become so timid as
to render their capture extremely difficult. Their voice is deceptively
like that of the White Wagtail. Two broods are produced within the year,
the first in April, the second in July. During the whole period of
incubation the demeanour of the male is very restless; he flutters hither
and thither, flapping with his wings, and perches from time to time
upon certain chosen spots, in order to pour out his song of rejoicing;
at this season his vocal performance possesses unusual sweetness. The
nest is placed near the water in holes under roots of trees, or amongst
stones; it varies considerably both as to size and the care with which
it is constructed; the outer wall is generally formed of roots, leaves,
grass, or moss; upon this is arranged a second layer of somewhat finer
materials, and the interior is neatly lined with hair, wool, or vegetable
fibres. The eggs, from four to six in number, are of a dark grey or
blueish white, veined and spotted with yellow or dark grey. The female
usually broods, and exhibits such devotion to her progeny, that, when
sitting, force must be employed to remove her from the nest. The young
are very carefully nurtured.
This species is spread throughout all India and Ceylon; it is very
generally met with in the hilly and wooded parts, but is rare in the open
country, especially towards the south of India, the Carnatic, and the
bare table-land; it is apparently most abundant in Bengal and the more
northern districts.
[Illustration: THE MOUNTAIN WAGTAIL (_Calobates sulphurea_).]
"It occasionally," says Jerdon, "is to be seen on the banks of rivers,
but is more generally found in gardens near houses, in towns and
villages, and on walks in the forest, or where there is sufficient
shelter. Mr. Blyth, who had abundant opportunities for observing it, says
he has seen it tripping over the filthiest narrow black drains between
hut and hut in the native town of Calcutta. It occasionally, though
rarely, perches upon trees, and has the jerking motion of its tail more
remarkably noticeable than any other member of the entire group, for it
appears unable to keep it in repose even for a moment."
* * * * *
The SHEEP WAGTAILS (_Budytes_), a group of European birds, are
recognisable from the other members of their family by their short tail,
the straight long nail on the hinder toe, and the brilliancy of the
plumage, which varies in the two sexes, insomuch that naturalists are
undecided as to whether certain species of these Wagtails are distinct or
identical.