THE STARLING. 'B 5 



THE STARLING. 



The STARLING (Sternus vulgaris) family, Sturnidce is 

 another bird constantly found in the water-meadows and 

 by the river-side, and a very pert and pleasant bird it is, 

 restless and busy from morning till night, seeking for 

 worms or other articles on its dietetic list. These birds, 

 in search of their food, appear to force their beaks into the 

 moist earth and dig out beetles and worms without number. 



Watch them among a flock of sheep and cows, perched on 

 the wool or backs of the cattle, searching for the ticks and 

 bots, fearless and confiding. The angler constantly dis- 

 turbs starlings from the high flags close to the river. We 

 suspect they come after the caterpillars and moths hiding 

 amongst the reeds. The bird is also particularly partial 

 to cherries. The starling, both male and female, has a 

 beautiful plumage. At a short distance they look black, 



