THE YELLOW WAGTAIL. By Stuart Smith. New Naturalist Monograph No. 4.

1950 1st edition. Small 8vo (138 x 206mm). Ppxvi,178. Colour paintings by Edward Bradbury, b/w photographs, b/w line illustrations, maps, bibliography. Green buckram, spine titled in gilt.

This is a detailed description of the life, the biology and the behaviour of the yellow wagtail in the British Isles and the Channel coast of the continent. Chapters include: The bird and its breeding distribution; Winter quarters and migrations; Nuptial display; The nest; The clutch; The brood; The final phase; The story of a name; The yellow wagtail group. Appendices on breeding distribution in Europe and Britain and the parasites of the wagtails. Excellent plates of paintings by Edward Bradbury. New Naturalist Monograph No. 4.