STARLING. 



493. Sturnus vulgaris. 



inches. 



Plumage metallic green and purple, heavily spotted 

 above and below with buffy or white. 



These European birds were introduced into New 

 York a number of years ago and are now common 

 there and spreading to other localities in Connecticut 

 and about New York city. They live about the streets 

 and in the parks, building their nests in crevices of 

 buildings and especially in the framework of the ele- 

 vated railroads of the city, and less often in trees. 

 They lay from four to six pale blue, unspotted eggs 

 (1.15 x. 85). How they will affect other bird life, in 

 case they eventually become common throughout the 

 country, is a matter of conjecture, but from what I 

 have seen of them they are quarrelsome and are mas- 

 ters of the English Sparrow, and may continue their 

 domineering tactics to the extent of driving more of 

 our song birds from the cities. 



