148 CANARIES AND CAGE-BIRDS. 



and lively ; and the flight is very peculiar, being distinguished by a noiselessness that 

 plainly indicates the velvety softness of the wings. Their song resembles that of 

 the English Starling : Nature seems to have been so lavish in her charms on the 

 decoration of the bird, that she deemed attention to the voice or other particulars 

 unnecessary. Those who have seen the Bronze Starling in his native woods describe 

 him as flashing upon their astonished sight like a bright and unexpected gleam of 

 sunshine, the feathers reflecting every ray of light as does a looking-glass. This 

 species is the largest of the Satin Starlings, and is called by some authors the Long- 

 tailed Glossy, or Satin, Starling. He possesses many of the characteristics, when 

 placed in confinement, of the mischievous Magpie ; and he will pursue a gold ring, 

 or any ornament which is of the same order as his metallic brilliant dress, around 

 the room with the same zeal and playfulness of that prince of mischief-makers. It 

 is hazardous to place this species in a cage with other birds, as the cannibalistic pro- 

 pensities of his native land seem to possess him. 



The Golden-breasted Satin Starling is eight inches long. In the male the fore- 

 head and upper part of the head is bluish green ; the neck, throat, and belly are of 

 a darker shade of the same color ; the rump is brilliant steel blue ; the thighs are rust 

 red. The female's plumage does not show the lustre of the male bird's, and it is 

 intermixed with a brownish tinge. Although the plumage of this species suffers in 

 comparison with that of the others, yet it is sufficiently brilliant to excite admiration 

 whenever seen in company with any but his more lustrous- hued brothers. 



The Superb Satin Starling may be certainly regarded as the most magnificent 

 member of the entire group. This species inhabits the most unfrequented parts of 

 the African continent, and is of the same size as the Golden-breasted Starling. 

 On the top of the head the color and lustre resemble burnished gold ; the upper part 

 of the back is metallic green, each feather being tipped with a brilliant silky black 

 spot ; the front of the throat, the upper part of the breast and tail, are indigo blue, 

 with a diamond-like gloss ; excepting a white band upon the breast, the remainder 

 of the body is a lustrous red. The above is a combination of colors which may be 

 found in some rare varieties of birds, but in no other bird are the brilliant lustre 

 and beautiful gloss apparent to such a degree as in this dazzling creature. 



These birds are met with in considerable numbers in Soudan, where they are 

 always seen flying about in large flocks. They seem to be endowed with more than 

 the average gifts allotted to the bird race ; for, in addition to the intense brilliancy 

 of the plumage, they have a very pleasing song. They are the best songsters of any 

 of the above classes. During the day multitudes of these gorgeous creatures may 

 be observed disporting themselves with great vivacity, running in small parties over 

 the ground in search of food, or seeking repose and shelter from the mid-day sun 

 amongst the branches of the trees, on which they perch also morning and evening 

 whilst the males pour forth their matin or vesper songs. Should the party be alarmed, 

 they do not seek safety in flight, but hide among the foliage until they can venture 

 forth from their places of concealment. During the whole time they are in search 

 of food the entire neighborhood is kept in a state of bewildering confusion ; each one 

 vying with every other in trying to make the most noise, simply for the sake of 

 creating an uproar. The Superb Satin Starling is very rarely seen outside of its 

 own country ; as their capture, owing to their methods of hiding, is extremely difficult. 



