320 BIRDS or INDIA. 



is found on the Alps and Apennines ; and it is noted by Powys 

 as ' a ciirious, fearless, cliattering bird.' 



One allied species, Fregilus leucopterus, Vigors and Horsfield, 

 is found in Australia, since separated generically as Corcorax. 



Podoces Pa7ideri, a remarkable bird of Northern Asia, is placed 

 by Bonaparte in this sub-family, but by Gray in his Gorridina, and 

 it appears to have decided affinities or analogies for the Timalincv. 



The only sub-family of Corvidce, not represented in India, is the 

 Streperin^ or Piping Crows, from New Holland, NeAv Guinea, 

 and adjacent islands. Their bill is straight, long, compressed, 

 broadish at base and advancing on the forehead ; the tip sometimes 

 notched, and the nostrils are linear, quite exposed, pierced in the 

 bill. They are noisy birds, with lively manners and omnivorous 

 habits. By their bill they appear to lead the way to the next 

 family, the SturnincB ; and, at the same time, some of them have 

 the habits of the Shrikes, whose place indeed, they partly take 

 in Australia ; most of them are coloured black, or black and Avhite. 

 Fam. Sturnid^, Starlings. 



Bill straight, or very slightly curved, longish, compressed, subu- 

 late, often angulated at the base, slightly notched at the tip or entire ; 

 wings long, rather pointed; tail moderate or short; tarsi stout, 

 moderate ; lateral toes about equal. 



The Starlings are, typically, birds of moderate size, with straight 

 pointed bills, generally dividing the feathers at the base of the bill, 

 which advance to the nostrils on each side. They have long pointed 

 wings, fly well, and mostly walk on the ground, like Crows, which 

 they much resemble in habits, being often gn-oarious, and feeding 

 alike on grain, fruit, and insects. They nidificate in holes of 

 trees or in buildings, a few constructing large nests in trees. In 

 captivity they are docile and intelligent and can be taught to 

 imitate the human voice well h\ most there is little or no differ- 

 ence between the sexes. 



They are divided into Stiirnince, Starlings and l^I^'-nas ; Lam- 

 protornince, glossy Mynas, or Grakles ; Biipliagmce, Ox-peckers ; 

 QuisculirKE, Boat-tails; Icterina, Hang-nests; and Agelaina, 

 Maizers. The first three are peculiar to the Old World; the last 

 three to America. 



