A Cloud of Starlings. . 207 



of a dozen birds, but all with the same intent. If 

 the country chances to be open, the kedges low, and 

 the spectator on a rise so as to see over some dis- 

 tance, he may observe several such flights at the 

 same time. Rooks, in returning to roost fly in long 

 streams, starlings in numerous separate divisions. 

 This is especially noticeable in summer, when the 

 divisions are composed of fewer birds : in winter the 

 starlings congregate in larger bodies. 



It would appear that after the young birds are 

 able to fly they flock together in parties by them- 

 selves, the old birds clubbing together also, but all 

 meeting at night. The parties of young birds are 

 easily distinguished by their lighter color. This may 

 not be an invariable rule ( for the birds to range 

 themselves according to age ) , but it is the case 

 frequently. Viewed from a spot three or four fields 

 away, the copse in the evening seems to be overhung 

 by a long dark cloud like a bar of mist, while the 

 sk}- is clear and no dew has yet risen. The resem- 

 blance to a cloud is so perfect that any one not 

 thinking of such things may for the time be de- 

 ceived, and wonder why a cloud should descend and 

 rest over that particular spot. Suddenly, the two 

 ends of the extended black bar contract, and the 

 middle swoops down in the shape of an inverted 

 cone, much resembling a waterspout, and in a few 

 seconds the cloud pours itself into the trees. An- 

 other minute, and a black streak shoots upwards, 

 spreads like smoke, parts in two, and wheels round 

 back into the firs again. 



On approaching it this apparent cloud is found to 

 consist of thousands of starlings, the noise of whose 



