174 



STARLINGS. 



FtG. Q2.— The Common S iaui.ing {Sturnus vulgaris). 



Snb-Fainily IV. 

 THE STARLINGS TROPER. STURNINVE. 



General Characteristics.— Bill more or less long, with the culmen aTr\'ed 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. 



These birds arc found in most parts of the world, migrating 

 regularly in vast flocks, which occasions them to appear in dif- 

 ferent 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, which are usually obtained by searching for them 

 on the ground. Their note consists of a shrill whistle, occasion- 

 ally varied by a chattering noise, and they often imitate the cries 

 of birds and animals. They make their nests of dry grass, in the 

 holes of trees and buildings, and lay from four to five eggs. 



The type of this sub-family is — 



The Coramon Starling {Sturnus vut^s;arii). This well-known bird 



