16 



FAMILIAR WILD BIRDS. 



having been lately in our possession that was extremely 

 tame ; there are often found amidst these erratic birds 

 specimens of a pied colour. 



Starlings are always more or less gregarious,, and in 

 October proceed upon their migration southwards. The 

 flocks assembled are sometimes of prodigious numbers, and 

 yet, as an old and well-known naturalist, Mr. G. Sways- 

 land, says, " there isn't one too many considering the good 

 they do." Their flight is particularly swift and straight, 

 maintained at a considerable height, and they keep together 

 with marvellous fidelity. 



