THE STARLING 113 



of a sheep, or, as in the case of one I noted, along the narrow ridge 

 of a roof. Naumann observed that they never raise both feet at the 

 same time. 1 Their hops, in short, lack finish. 



In their mode of progression starlings resemble closely rooks and 

 daws, which also walk more often than they hop. They differ from 

 the species of Thrushes which frequent the same feeding grounds, for 

 these hop much more often than they run, and seldom, if ever, walk. 

 It is difficult even to imagine a fieldfare or a redwing walking in the 

 manner of a starling. Yet all three species may often be seen feeding 

 in the same field and seeking the same food. How these differences 

 arose is a question that would provide matter for interesting specula- 

 tion, but it would take us considerably beyond the subject of this 

 chapter. 



The starlings' method of seizing their prey depends upon whether 

 it is looked for upon or under the ground. When the former, the 

 beak is habitually thrust into the grass more or less open, as shown 

 in Mr. Seaby's drawing. It is thus ready to close without loss of time 

 upon the insect in view, when there is one in view, for often, to all 

 appearance, the bird seems to prod here and there in the grass at a 

 venture ; and the object of thrusting the mandibles apart being, pre- 

 sumably, to disturb as much ground as possible or to give a persuasive 

 squeeze to any likely tuft, or root. 



When hunting for grubs beneath the surface of the soil the 

 starling will drive the bill in closed, then open the mandibles, thus 

 making a little pit. 2 Captive birds have been seen to adopt the same 

 method to reach dainties hidden under an open hand placed flat 

 upon the floor. They insert the bill between the fingers and force 

 them apart with considerable strength, then peer in to see what 

 is there. When the birds are feeding on the grass, it is, of course, 

 difficult to know what actually occurs. Do they merely make these 

 little pits on the chance of finding something in them, or do they know 



1 Vogel Mitteleuropas, iv. p. 10. 



1 I have not seen them do this. The evidence will be found in the Zoologist, 1876, 4837 

 4877-9, 4925, 5005. 



VOL. II. P 



