CHAPTER III 



THE FARMER'S FOES 



STARLINGS 



First in order of classification comes the Spreeuw, or Pied 

 Starling (Spreo bicolor), which is very common throughout 

 South Africa, excepting the Natal littoral and the South- 

 West territory. 



It feeds chiefly on insects, but during the fruit season 

 creates enormous havoc amongst the fruit crops, notably 

 figs. They are so destructive in some districts that, unless 

 strong measures are taken, hardly a ripe fig remains to be 

 fathered. With a bird of this description it is exceedingly 

 difficult to know where to place it. It has no beauty in its 

 brown plumage (which has, however, bronzy reflections in 

 the sun), and white abdomen, and does probably quite as 

 much good in destroying insect pests as harm by devouring 

 figs and oilier fruit. However, to the fruit farmer, and the 

 householder who possesses a few fruit trees, it is an undoubted 

 nuisance, so we perforce include it in this chapter. 



The Pied Starling nests in holes and dongas, prospecting 

 pits, and walls, or under stones, and lays from four to six 

 greenish-blue eggs during the months of August to October. 

 Dr. Stark says the eggs are occasionally marked with reddish- 

 brown. 



The Red-winged Starling (Amydrus mono), or Rooivlerk 

 Spreeuw, is glossy blue-black with reddish-chestnut primary 

 wing leathers. The female has a brownish head. 



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