174 



THE STABLINGS OF INDIA. 



continue their migration southward? I incline to this view my- 

 self, but shall be glad to hear any other solution of the question. 



Ratnagiri, July 1st, 1879. 



Wh ^hxlxnp of S^xdm, 



No less than five well-marked and readily-distinguishable 

 species of Starlings occur within the limits of our Indian Em- 

 pire, and it may be well to put on record a few brief notes in 

 regard to these. 



The coloration in all the species is distinct, and they differ 

 moreover in size, in the amount of spotting normally assumed, 

 and in other ways. The following table will convey some idea 

 of this, it being understood that the birds are described, by a 

 person standing with his face to the light, holding the birds in 

 front of him about the level of his waist, with the tails towards 

 him, and with the heads pointing forwards and inclined down- 

 wards : — 



i 



