152 SONG-THRUSH. 



ORDER III. PASSERINE BIRDS. 



17. STARE TRIBE. 



The greater part of these birds feed on insects and 

 worms, but a few of them subsist on fish. There are 

 about twenty known species, of which only two are found 

 in our island. 



Starling. Few birds are more common in this country, 

 especially during the winter-season, than the Starlings. 

 They usually build their nests about the month of May, 

 in the holes of ruins, in pigeon-houses, or trees. This nest 

 is formed of straw, fibres of roots, and down ; and the 

 eggs, four or five in number, are of a pale greenish co- 

 lour. These birds have a strong and powerful voice, and 

 may be instructed to whistle several tunes, and even to 

 imitate the human voice. They collect together and fly 

 in large flocks ; and usually feed on insects and worms. 



Their bill is yellowish, and the body black, with white 

 dots. 



18. THRUSH TRIBE. 



The Thrushes feed chiefly on berries and other kinds 

 of fruit. The species are very numerous, and several of 

 them have a melodious song. 



Song-Thrush, or Throstle. This is one of the most de- 

 lightful of our rural songsters, enlivening the woods and 

 groves, during the spring and summer seasons, with its 

 melodious notes. In the sweetness and variety of its 



