BIRDS OF THE BRITISH ISLES. 



1Ro6C:*coIourcD Starlincj. 



II 



The Rose-coloured Starling {Pas for rostits, Linnceus) is an 

 irregular visitor to this country, occurring mostly in autumn. 

 It is found nesting in Southern Europe, and is met with 

 occasionally on migration in most parts of Central and 

 Northern Europe. In winter it is found in India, but is 

 of rare occurrence in Africa. The adult male in breeding 

 attire has a crest on the head; neck, cheeks, nape, and 

 upper part of breast, deep black, with purple reflections ; 

 wings and rectrices, black, with greenish reflections ; flanks 

 and under tail-coverts, black ; back, breast, and belly, deli- 

 cate rose-colour ; irides, brown ; bill, rose-colour, darker at 

 base; legs and feet, brown. Length, about eight inches. 

 The female is duller in colour. The young have the cheeks, 

 chin, and upper part of throat, white ; wings and tail, 

 brown ; under parts, very [)ale brown : mottled on flanks 

 with darker brown. 



