SATIN STARLINGS. U" 



SATIN STARLINGS. 



HERE is a race of birds with which, probably, one bird-fancier in one hundred is 

 acquainted ; and yet the Glossy Starlings are the most gorgeous cage-birds known. 

 Words fail to show the brilliancy of the plumage, and the painter's brush cannot 

 adequately represent it. The wonderful dark brilliant hues of which the plumage is 

 composed reflect the rays of light like a cluster of diamonds. Added to all this 

 gorgeousness, the birds have the spirit of acute mischief and the usual high degree 

 of intelligence in the Starling family. They are extremely hardy, and live in con- 

 finement longer than the average long-lived cage-bird. The entire family are natives 

 of the different portions of Africa, a land which is noted for its brilliant-hoed birds. 

 Very little is known here of the bird in a caged state, although they have been 

 successfully bred in various parts of Europe ; but, when their lively dispositions and 

 playful ways become better known, they will undoubtedly outrank many of the 

 favorites of the present time. 



There are four varieties of the Glossy Starlings, all noted for their flashing hues 

 and splendor of color. In each class some one brilliant color predominates, while all 

 the remaining colors blend with such effect that it is often difficult to tell at a distance 

 just what the chief color is. Their dispositions connect them with the Starling 

 family, and their colors with the Birds of Paradise : in fact, they seem to form a 

 connecting-link between these two families. 



While all parts of the countries to which these birds belong are enlivened by 

 their presence, they take up their residence principally in rocky districts in the 

 immediate vicinity of men's dwellings, where they disport themselves, and lend an 

 embellishment to the tropical scenery which travellers are never weary of extolling. 

 They are, without exception, lively, bold, and noisy in their demeanor, and always 

 travel in large flocks, and live very sociably. They have, however, enemies among 

 other classes of birds, with whom they live in a state of constant warfare. Their 

 movements are light and active, and their dispositions exceedingly sagacious and 

 intelligent. Some of the species have a very agreeable song ; while others have the 

 harsh, guttural notes of the English Starling. They breed twice each year, laying 

 each time five or six eggs. 



The bronze-colored Satin Starling, an inhabitant of the northern part of Africa, 

 possesses an attire of extraordinary lustre, which glitters in the rays of a tropical 

 sun. The plumage is bronze-like in tint, except upon the sides of the head, the 

 lower part of the belly, and wings, which are a beautiful indigo blue. This species 

 is about ten inches in length, of which the tail measures three inches. The Bronze 

 Starlings are to be met with in large numbers in their native lauds. They are brisk 



