14(5 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



with great accuracy : suddenly, as if by a note of command, the whole flock turn 

 their sides to the spectator, and, with a great whirring noise, the whole front and 

 shape of the troop is altered. No body of well- trained soldiers could better wheel 

 or countermarch than a regiment of Starlings. 



They are very plucky birds, which becomes the war-like movements described : 

 and it is related for a fact, that a cat, who ventured to attack a nest of young Star- 

 lings, was so pestered and annoyed by a troop which the male bird hastily summoned, 

 that he was obliged to forego his tender meal, and run for safety. 



In Germany the peasants treat the Starlings like domestic pigeons, taking the 

 young from the nest before they are fledged ; this induces the parent birds to breed 

 as often as three and four times in a season : the last nest, however, is left undis- 

 turbed, so as to increase the stock, and induce the old birds to return to the same 

 nest the following season. The same nest is used year after year, being cleaned out 

 as soon as taken possession of. 



A Starling, when caged, should be fed on the prepared Mocking-bird food, as 

 given to all soft-billed birds. Of dainties he is extremely fond, and, if allowed to 

 roam in the dining-room, will quickly display his epicurean taste by eating only the 

 best, leaving the common food for the rest of the boarders. He will eat insects of 

 all kinds, also fruit and grain : therefore it will be seen that his wants may be easily 

 satisfied. A change of food is always desirable, and from the above varieties a 

 change can be easily had. 



He is an amphibious bird, and no other bird that I know of delights more in tak- 

 ing a bath. He is like the Newfoundland dog in his way of bathing : he will plunge 

 in and duck around, and, when he comes out, seems to take pleasure in scattering 

 the water as far as possible while shaking himself dry. He will stand for hours 

 pluming himself and making his toilet, chattering and singing in the most amusing 

 fashion. 



The young Starlings are easily trained to whistle an opera-air : but, in order to 

 do this, they should be kept in a room as free as possible from noises of any kind ; 

 as they are apt to mimic them, and mix them with the music. The air should be 

 whistled once through five or six times daily, or, better still, be played on a bird- 

 organ. They do not require so long a course 'of training as the Bullfinch, for they 

 learn to pipe a complete air in two or three months. They often pipe two, and 

 sometimes three, airs. 



The Starling should have the roomiest of cages and an abundance of fresh gravel 

 daily. If given any sort of attention, you may have an amusing, interesting com- 

 panion, who will live for many years. 



