IS THE STARLING DOUBLE-BROODED? 



F. S. MITCHELL, M.B.O.U., 

 Clitheroe ; Author of ' The Birds of Lancashire.' 



There is considerable difference of opinion as to whether the 

 Starling (Stumus vulgaris) brings up one or more broods in a season, 

 and as the habits of such a common bird ought to be thoroughly- 

 well known and agreed upon, and the season now approaches when 

 the matter may be tested, I suggest that those who believe it to be 

 double-brooded should take steps to prove they are right. 



It is obvious that the onus is on this party, otherwise those who, 

 like myself, believe in only one brood, would have to prove a 

 negative. 



It is, of course, possible that in different parts of the country, and 

 with a greater or less proportion of nesting holes, habits may be 

 different, but I do not think this likely. 



In my own neighbourhood, where every possible hole is occupied, 

 I do not know any case of a second tenancy in the same season, 

 whether by the original pair or any other, and in the considerable 

 number which for years have come under my daily observation, it is 

 certain that only one brood is reared. 



This, I think, goes a long way to prove my position, for, with 

 such a scarcity of sites, a pair of birds would hardly give up a 

 comfortable berth, and go into the wide world to seek another, but 

 would be sure to bring up the second lot in the same place. It 

 should be understood that the first brood has been brought up in 

 its entirety, or almost in its entirety, and that no accident has 

 happened to disturb the joys of the family education, for almost any 

 species of bird, under circumstances of this sort, will hasten to have 

 a second trial. 



Everyone must feel an interest in the Starling, with its plumed 

 beauty, its bustling, business-like habits, its fund of energy, its quaint 

 attitudes, and its mimicry of almost all its feathered companions. 

 Yet, I must say, it goes too far for me when I see it putting difficulties 

 in the way of the Woodpecker — for instance, by occupying its nesting- 

 hole ; and though the latter ought to be easily master, the self-con- 

 fidence of our energetic friend may carry the day, as the same quality 

 does under so many conditions, avian and other. 



[The Editors of The Naturalist will be pleased to insert suitable 

 notes bearing upon this point.] 



Naturalist, 



