144 



THE STARLIXG. 



reported of them that they get into pigeon-houses for the purpose of 

 sucking the eggs. 



The female builds an artless nest of straw and small fibres, in the 

 hollows of trees, rocks, or old walls, and sometimes in cliffs that over- 

 hang the sea. She lays four or five eggs, of a pale greenish-ash color. 



The Starling is a familiar bird, and in a state of captivity is easily 

 trained. Its natural voice is strong and hoarse ; but it may be taught, 

 \uthoutdifficulty, to repeat short sentences, or to whistle tunes with 

 great exactness. In a state of confinement it will eat small pieces of 

 raw flesh, or bread soaked in water. 



This well-known harmless inhabitant of meadows and old fields is 

 not only found in every part of the United States, but appears to be a 

 resident in all the intermediate region, from the frigid latitude of 53, 

 and the territory of Oregon, to the mild table land of Mexico, and the 



DESKIIT LARK. 



tropical savannahs of Guiana. In the winter they abound in Alabama 

 and west Florida, so that in some degree, like the Jays, and the legit- 

 imate Starlings, they partially migrate in quest of food during the 

 severity of the weather in the colder states. It is not however improb- 

 sble, but that most of the migrating families of this bird, which we find 

 U this season, have merely travelled eastward from the cold western 

 plains that are annually covered with snow. They are now seen in 

 considerable numbers in and round the salt marshes, roving about in 

 flocks of ten to thirty or more, seeking the shelter of the sea-coast, 

 though not in such dense flocks as the true Starlings ; these in the 

 manner of our common Blackbirds assemble in winter, like dark clouds, 

 moving as one body, and when about to descend, perform progressive 

 circular evolutions in the air, like a phalanx in the order of battle ; and 

 when settled, blacken the earth with their numbers, as well as stun the 

 ears with their chatter. Like crows also, they seek the shelter of reed 

 marshes to pass the night, and in the day take the benefit of every 

 iunny and sheltered covert. 



