DANGER OF INTRODUCING NOXIOUS ANIMALS AND BIRDS. 101 



1877 was reported to have been introduced on New Providence, Baha- 

 mas, "within the last few j^ears." It has not, however, increased 

 rapidly on either island, for in 1891 it was reported as still not 

 abundant, and apparently had not extended its range to any of the 

 neighboring islands. 



THE STARLING. 



The starling {Shirnus vulgaris, fig. 3) of Europe and western Asia 

 is one of the best known birds of the Old World, and during late 

 years has been increasing in numbers in the Britisli Isles. It is some- 

 times accused of stealing fruit and destroying nests and eggs of other 

 birds, but in its native home it seems to be ])eneficial ratlier than 

 otherwise. Comparative!}' little accurate information concerning its 



Fig. 3.— starling (Stiuims vulgaris). 



food habits is available, except the results of an examination of 175 

 stomachs recently made in Scotland by Mr. John Gilmour.^ Accord- 

 ing to this examination the food consists of 75 i)er cent insects, 20 

 per cent grain (mainly waste grain), and 5 per cent miscellaneous 

 substances. Some useful insects were eaten, but the greater proportion 

 were classed as injurious. The charge of destroying eggs of larks, and 

 occasionally young nestlings, was not substantiated, as no eggshells 

 were found in these stomachs. Mr. Gilinour calls attention to the 

 rapid increase of starlings in Fifeshire, thousands now existing where 

 fifty or sixty years ago they were considered rare, and mentions the 

 serious damage sometimes done to shrubs and young plantations when 

 occupied as roosting places, but concludes that on the whole the bird 

 is beneficial and worthy of protection. 



' Trans. Highland and Agr. Soc, Scotland, 189G. 



19G07- 



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