STURNIDJ5. 87 



and the inside of roofs, may be considered their favourite 

 breeding-places, though others may be also chosen. The 

 Starling breeds early, and forms its nest of grass,, straws, 

 roots, etc., with softer substances for lining. The eggs are 

 four or five, of a pale greenish or greyish blue, usually with- 

 out the slightest markings. After the breeding season, 

 Starlings congregate in immense flocks, which, as evening 

 approaches, seek some coppice, plantation, willow^ or reed 

 bed, where they settle for rest, but where they long keep 

 up a noisy chattering concert. The Starling may be taught 

 to imitate the human voice. (PI. V. fig. 24.) 



THE BED-WINGED STARLING. Sturnus pmdatorius. 

 Various specimens of this species have been procured in 

 this country, although its home is in America. The range 

 of country in the western hemisphere which it frequents 

 and over which it migrates, extends from Mexico in the 

 south to a great distance up the Missouri westward and 

 northward, and to Labrador and Newfoundland on the east. 

 Some of the habits of this bird, resembling those of our 

 well-known Starling, have obtained for it the name of the 

 Red-winged Starling, in illustration of which Mr. Audubon, 

 as quoted by Mr. Yarrell, remarks : " Towards evening they 

 alight in the marshes by millions, in compact bodies, settle 



