SPOTTED STARLING. COl 



preparatory reconnoitering, immediately disperse, run along 

 very nimbly, and diligently search for mollusca, worms, and 

 other objects. On discovering traces of a subterranean larva 

 or worm, they dig it up with great dexterity in the same man- 

 ner as the thrushes and crows. During their search they are 

 seldom altogether silent, some individuals commonly keeping 

 up a chattering noise, and occasionally uttering a low scream, 

 when interfered with by others. This scream prolonged and 

 heightened is the intimation of alarm, and when heard from 

 one or more of the flock, they immediately cease their search, 

 look up, and, if they should judge it necessary, fly off with speed 

 to another generally distant part. 



In winter the flocks are often very large, but even in the 

 breeding season the individuals that come abroad to search for 

 food for their young, keep in parties. In the Outer Hebrides 

 they associate with no other birds, excepting occasionally 

 Pigeons ; but in other parts they are frequently seen inter- 

 mingled with Jackdaws, Rooks, and Thrushes of different 

 species. In sunny weather, even in winter, Starlings congre- 

 gated on a rock, the top of a wall, or other eminence, enact a 

 very pleasant concert or medley, each singing in a low rather 

 sweet voice, and the united efl'ect being very similar to that of 

 the winter song of a flock of Redwings. Individually the Star- 

 ling's ditty is certainly not equal to that of the Throstle, but 

 yet it is by no means despicable. 



These birds are occasionally a little quarrelsome when two or 

 more individuals happen to come into contact having a worm 

 or other object in view ; but their feuds are not deadly, and in 

 general they live very peaceably together ; nor do they molest 

 any other species of bird. They are sometimes preyed upon 

 by the smaller hawks, especially the Sparrow Hawk and Merlin. 



The flesh of the Starling is not much inferior to that of a thrush, 

 although tougher, and as a considerable number may be occa- 

 sionally obtained at a single shot, this bird is not unworthy of 

 the attention of the animal designated by the name of sports- 

 man. The Hebridian shooters always twist oif its head the 

 moment they get hold of it, alleging that in the blood of that 

 part there is something of a poisonous nature. Others main- 



