THE STARLING, 



III 



singing, in a low but sweet voice, a song that is not, of course, equal to that of 

 the thrush, but when performed in concert is very agreeable. 



The rose starling is only seen in this country at rare intervals. He is 



THE SUPERB GLOSSY STARLING. 



very handsome, and has a rose-coloured beak, and his plumage is glossed 

 with violet blue. On his head he wears a flowing crest, and Ws back and 

 part of the wings are a delicate rose colour. His native lands are Syria, 

 Egypt, and Africa ; and he feeds on the locust, so that in places where that 

 scourge abounds he is held sacred. He flies in flocks like the starling, 



