86 BRITISH BIRDS' EGGS. 



proves the cause of its destruction; but it feeds also on 

 acorns, beech-mast, and insects. (PL VIII. fig. 52.) 



THE CHOUGH, OR BED-LEGGED CROW. Fregilus graculus. 

 This species is not particularly rare in certain parts of the 

 British Islands, and is said to abound in the Isle of Man. 

 On the European continent it frequents alpine districts, 

 but on our shores prefers the seacoast, where it forms its 

 nest, much after the manner of the true Crows, in rents of 

 rocks and in the entrances of caves. The eggs are four, five, 

 or even more in number, and resemble considerably certain 

 varieties of the Magpie's, but are of larger size and possess 

 a yellowish tint in some of the spots. (PL V. fig. 22.) 



STABLINGS. 



A great number of species in different parts of the world 

 are referred to this family, although but three can be claimed 

 as British. Many species associate in flocks, and some build 

 pendent nests after the manner of the Weaver Birds. 



THE COMMON STARLING. Sturnus vulgaris. This beau- 

 tiful bird, which is very extensively distributed over various 

 regions of the globe, is abundant in many parts of Britain. 

 The rocky seacoast, old and ruined buildings, hollow trees, 



