Case 107. 



MAGPIE [Pica rustica). 

 Local names : Pye, Pyanet. 

 The Magpie is resident and common all the year round in the woods 

 of our local area ; and throughout the British Islands, except in some 

 parts of Scotland and of the south-east of England. In many districts 

 it is much persecuted, and has been almost exterminated on account 

 ■of the damage it does to eggs and young of game birds, although it is 

 very useful in destroying quantities of harmful insects and grubs. The 

 nest is large, composed of sticks, the base being cemented with mud 

 or clay and generally placed high up in the fork of a tree. It is suggested 

 that the loading of the base is for the purpose of steadying the nest by 

 adding to its weight. A screen of sticks to shield the sitting bird from 

 attack, is erected over the nest. It nests from mid April to early May, 

 and lays six to eight eggs of a greenish colour, with small purple and 

 brown markings (see British Bird Egg Cabinet, drawer 5). 



Case 108. 



JAY {Garrulus glandarius). 

 The Jay is resident in most of the higher woodlands of our local 

 area and of Britain generally, except the north of Scotland and north- 

 west of Ireland. It was formerly more common, being persecuted in 

 many localities on account of its egg-stealing and fruit-eating pro- 

 pensities. It hops on the ground instead of walking like the rest of 

 the crow family and frequents thickly-wooded districts, building its 

 nest at a height of from eight to twenty feet from the ground on a 

 branch or in a high bush. The nest is open at the top and made of 

 short twigs with a lining of fine roots and grass. It builds in April and 

 early May, laying from four to seven eggs, which show considerable 

 variation in their markings (see British Bird Egg Cabinet, drawer 5). 



Case 109. 



COMMON STARLING {Sturnus vulgaris). 

 Local names : Shepster, Stare. 



The Common Starling is one of the commonest birds in our local 

 area, and indeed of Europe. It eats fruit, but is most useful in destroy- 

 ing immense quantities of harmful grubs and insects, and thus proves 

 to be a great friend of the farmer. It nests in chimneys, trees and 

 under eaves, at the end of April. The nest, a large untidy structure 

 is composed of straw and grass, sometimes lined with wool or feathers, 

 in which are laid four to seven bluish-white eggs (see British Bird Egg 

 Cabinet, drawer 5). It is very prolific, rearing two broods in the 

 season. The young Starling differs much in plumage from that of the 

 parents. A young specimen in its first plumage is seen in the group 

 perched on top of the tree stump. 



