i8 LETTERS TO MARCO in 



high up, they are able to select a fresh place 

 easily, and the starlings, knowing their 

 sagacity in these matters, keep up with 

 them, flying lower down and in a dense 

 mass. 



The starling is well built for his mode of 

 life. He has a short, strong neck, rather long 

 and pointed beak, powerful legs, and a short 

 tail ; his feathers are very glossy and water- 

 proof, rather narrow and pointed in character, 

 which helps the bird, when he gives a vigorous 

 shake, to get rid of the raindrops easily. 

 Starlings, like rooks, frequent the neighbour- 

 hood of man, but never seem to get over the 

 distrust with which they regard his actions ; 

 they will come for food in the winter if placed 

 for them, but are exceedingly alert and watch- 

 ful when thus feeding, in marked contrast to 

 the robins, sparrows, or tomtits. 



Blackbirds, thrushes, and robins have an 

 entirely different way of feeding on the 

 grass, and I imagine seek for a different 

 sort of food. Instead of walking rapidly 



