34 BEITISH LAND BIRDS. 



little family groups. The linnet lives and delights 

 in company, frequenting open commons and gorsy 

 fields. Several pairs, without the least rivalry 

 or contention, build their nests, and rear their 

 young, in the same neighbourhood. They form 

 large associations, feeding and moving in company, 

 as one united household. They will pass hours 

 together on the top branches of some sunny tree, 

 enjoying the warmth and chatting with each other 

 in low and gentle notes. 



The jay and its family associate during all the 

 autumn and winter months, taking evident delight 

 in each other's company. They separate only to 

 become the founders of new establishments. 



Starlings are extremely sociable in their disposi- 

 tion, and when they quit the nest keep together 

 in families for a short time and then join with 

 others, till they form those vast flocks seen in 

 meadows. No birds appear to have so much 

 conversation, if the term may be used, as star- 

 lings; especially when they visit their roosting 

 places in the evening. They seem, then, to be 

 congratulating each other with much satisfaction. 

 They are seldom seen alone ; to feed, they will 

 associate with the rook, the pigeon, or the daw ; 

 but they chiefly roost with their dwn families. 

 Should any accident separate an individual from 

 its companions, it will sit disconsolate, piping and 



