222 



CONIKOSTRES. 



Sturnin.^. 



SUB-FAMILY IV. 



lite Starlings j^roper. 



Gen. Charac. — Bill more or less long, witli the culmen curved or straight to 

 the tip, which is obtuse and somewhat flattened ; the nostrils basal, placed 

 in a membranous groove, and sometimes clothed with short feathers ; the 

 wings moderate ; the tail rather short, and even or rounded ; the tarsi 

 rather long, strong, and covered with broad scales ; the toes long and strong, 

 armed with strong acute claws. 



Fig. 92.— the commox starling. 



(Stiinms vulgaris.) 



These birds are found in most parts of the world, 

 migrating regularly in vast flocks, which occasions 

 them to appear in difl'erent localities at stated 

 periods. They mostly frequent swampy places, and 

 are often seen in company with other birds of similar 

 habits. While on the ground they walk with 

 facility. Their food consists chiefly of worms and 

 insects ; but they also feed upon grain and seeds, 



