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turf. In the more northern parts of the island it 

 forms its nest in hollow trees, old buildings, and 

 rocks. The eggs, from four to six in number, are 

 of a very pale greenish blue tinge, and glossy in 

 appearance. The Starling, which is a gregarious 

 bird, flies with considerable rapidity, walks and 

 runs with ease, and searches the pastures for worms, 

 larvse, and insects. Its song is pleasant, and, when 

 tamed, it can be taught to whistle tunes, and even 

 to imitate the sound of the human voice, so far as 

 to articulate words. During autumn these birds 

 gather into large flocks, and repair to the fenny 

 counties, where they roost among the reeds. 



STARLING, BED- WINGED. 



MARSH BLACKBIRD, OR MAIZE BIRD. 

 AGELARTJS PIKENICEUS, And. 



This bird, which is very abundant in North 

 America, has been captured in England in two 

 or three instances ; and some of its habits having 

 been observed to resemble those of our well- 

 known Starling, the name of Red- winged Starling 

 was given to it. Audubon says of them, " To- 

 wards evening they alight in the marshes in 

 immense numbers, and in compact bodies settle 

 on . the reeds and rushes close above the water, 

 and remain during the night, unless disturbed. 



