12 STURNID.^. 



as it advances higher, as if springing up into the higher regions. This is 

 chiefly noticed during the breeding season (April and May). It however 

 descends rapidly, but continues its song till within a few feet of the ground. 

 As remarked by Mr. Hume, this species is variable in size and colouration, so 

 much so, that at least half-a-dozen species have been made by Franklin, Sykes, 

 ]erdon and Blyth. " The examination of a large series," Mr. Hume says, 

 "proves that it is impossible to draw aline anywhere between the largest and 

 the smallest examples. A perfect series of the wings occurs, and as for the 

 difference in tone of plumage, big and little examples are alike met with 

 amongst the brown, rufous, sandy, grey or desert colour types." All the 

 varieties are netted in great numbers, and brought for sale in the markets, as 

 Ortolan. The flesh is delicious, and quite equal to that of the true Ortolan 

 and other species of Emheriza. 



SECTION— OSCINES CULTIROSTRES. 



Family.— STURNID^.— Starlings. 



Bill straight or very slightly curved, rather long pointed and compressed, 

 often angulated at the base, the tip entire or slightly notched ; wings long and 

 pointed; tail moderate ; tarsus strong; nostrils on each side covered with 

 feathers. They walk freely on the ground, fly well, are gregarious, and 

 live on fruit, insects, and grain. They nidificate under the eaves of roofs or 

 in holes of trees. Some are intelligent and are caged, and taught to utter 

 lono- and amusing sentences. The Indian species may be said to be divided 

 into Starlings and Mynahs ; Glossy Mynahs or Grakles. 



In the present work, it is with the first (starlings) only we have to deal. 

 They arrive during winter in large flocks, and at this time are exceedingly 

 plump and fat, and make excellent fricasse; and with proper seasoning stew 

 and pie ; especially with beef steak starlings go well. When jungling during 

 winter, and beefsteaks and the dry, stringy " moorghi" is not obtainable, the 

 usual method is, when you have brought down a dozen starlings, and got a 

 hare or two, to pluck and nicely clean the starlings, and inside each put some 

 pate de fois gras, and if at hand a thin slice of ham or bacon, then add the 

 hare cut up into quarters, anything in the way of truflies or mushrooms, or 

 in their absence hard-boiled eggs, condiments and sauces, and you will find 

 that with a good crust over the whole, and properly baked, starlings are not to 

 be despised. vVhere good flour is not obtainable, the above method will afford 

 an excellent stew. 



Sub-Family .-STURNIN^. 



Bill with the sides compressed, tip rather blunt and flattened ; wings long 

 and pointed ; tail rather short ; tarsi strong, scutate in front ; toes long and 

 strong. 



