THE STARLING 



Sturnus vulgaris 



The Starling is another familiar songster, found 

 almost everywhere, and a universal favourite from 

 its engaging ways and trustful disposition. It is a 

 resident, and breeds in more or less abundance in 

 all cultivated and inhabited districts of England and 

 Wales. In Scotland it has increased enormously 

 within the past fifty years, gradually extending its 

 area, so that it may now be said to breed in every 

 suitable locality, including the Hebrides, St. Kilda, 

 the Orkneys and Shetlands. In Ireland it is common 

 and widely dispersed, especially during winter, becom- 

 ing more local in the breeding season. Its extra 

 British range includes most parts of Europe ; but 

 in the Mediterranean countries and in Persia the 

 bird is a winter visitor only. Further eastwards in 

 Asia, and to some extent in the Mediterranean 

 basin, the Starling is replaced by several closely 

 allied forms. 



The Starlings that breed in the British Islands 

 270 



