This bird is an occasional winter visitor. Some seasons large flocks appear, then only a few; then, again, perhaps none; and this may be the case for many succeeding seasons.
Motacilla yarrelli [Pied Wagtail].
Wherever there is a stream or a quarry, you will meet, in summer, with a pair or two of these active little insect-eaters. During winter, they are invariably to be seen on lawns, or about mills and farm-steadings. They remain with us all the year round.
Motacilla boarula [The Gray Wagtail].
This is our yellow wagtail, being known by no other name. Though generally distributed throughout the country, it is not nearly so abundant. It sometimes breeds in company with the sand martin.
Motacilla campestris [Ray’s Wagtail].
Only an occasional visitor with us. They breed plentifully amongst the hillocks which stretch along the line of coast between the Don (Aberdeenshire) and Newburgh,—then again from Peterhead to Fraserburgh.
Anthus arboreus [The Tree Pipit].
This bird is frequently seen; it breeds near Inverkeithnay, Rothiemay, and Inveraven.
Anthus pratensis [The Meadow Pipit].