124 WAXWINO, STARLING. 



THE BOSE-BREASTED FLYCATCHER 



Of New South Wales, is brown above and beneath ; of a 

 rich carmine colour on the breast, and whitish on the 

 other parts. 



THE WAXWINGS 



Very much resemble the birds of the last species ; but 

 they are strongly distinguished from all other birds by a 

 peculiar appendage to some of the wings resembling red 

 sealing-wax. They feed on berries, and are about eight 

 inches in length. One species occurs in many parts of 

 the continent of Europe, and another throughout North 

 America. 



THE COMMON STARLING 



Is black, with a gloss of rich green and purple and green 

 only ; beautifully spotted on the head and back with light 

 brown, on the other parts with brown. The nest of this 

 species is placed in some hole either in trees or walls, 

 often in the deserted habitation of the woodpecker, or in 

 pigeon-houses; the nest is artlessly built of dry grass or 

 leaves ; the eggs, four or five in number, are of a pale 

 blue colour. These birds usually feed on insects ; but 

 they will eat grain and fruits, and when domesticated, any 

 kind of meat. They are remarkably docile, learning to 

 imitate the human voice, whistling, &c. ; their natural note 

 is shrill. Their flight is smooth and steady; but in 

 winter, when they assemble in large flocks, they fly 

 tumultuously, having a general rotatory movement as well 

 as the progressive one. The young ones differ much from 

 the old, being brown and mottled. 



These birds abound throughout the eastern continent. 

 The other species resemble the preceding in their manners, 

 and are found in various parts of the world. 



