262 



Birds. 



THE STAKE, OB STARLING, (Sturnus vulgaris,) 



Is about the size and shape of a blackbird ; the tips of 

 the feathers on the neck and back are yellow; the 

 feathers tinder the tail of an ash-colour ; the other parts 

 of the plumage are black, with a purple or deep blue 

 gloss, changing as it is variously exposed to the light. 

 Jn the hen, the tips of the feathers on the breast and 

 belly, to the very throat, are white ; which constitutes 

 a material point in the choice of the bird, as the female 

 is no singer. She lays four or five eggs, lightly tinctured 

 with a greenish cast of blue. Starlings build in hollow 

 trees and clefts of rocks and walls, are very easily tamed, 

 and can add to their natural notes any words or modula- 

 tions which they are taught. 



]n the winter season Starlings collect in vast flocks, 

 and may be known at a great distance by their whirling 

 mode of flight. The evening is the time when they 

 assemble in the greatest numbers, and betake themselves 

 to fens and marshes. Sterne has immortalized the Star- 

 ling in his " Sentimental Journey : " " The bird flew to the 

 place where I was attempting his deliverance, and thrust- 

 ing his head through the trellis, pressed his head against 

 it, as if impatient. * I fear, poor creature,' said I, * I 

 can't set thee at liberty.' 'No,' said the Starling, 'I 

 can't get out.' ' Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, 

 slavery,' said I, ' still thou art a bitter draught !' " 



