Starling. INSESSORES. STURNUS. 341 



rinus), which they obtain by turning over the sniall stonex 

 on the beach with their bills. 



The Starling is a very imitative bird, and, when tamed, 

 may be taught to articulate very distinctly, and to whistle 

 tunes with much precision. In its wild state even, it may fre- 

 quently be heard endeavouring to imitate the cries of diffe- 

 rent birds and animals. Its own peculiar notes are a shrill 

 whistle, and chattering kind of noise. It is found through- 

 out Europe; and the same species appears to be common also 

 in Asia, as I have seen specimens from Nepaul that are pre- 

 cisely similar. — The flight of the Starling is smooth and even, 

 without any saltatory motion ; and it walks with ease, like 

 the Lark or Wagtail, seldom or never using the hopping ac- 

 tion of the Thrush. These birds are often seen in company 

 with Rooks, Pigeons, and Jackdaws, and I have witnessed a 

 small flock of them associating for a considerable time with 

 a body of Lapwings ( Vanellus cristatus.) 



Plate 36. Fig. 1. A male bird, of the natural size. 



General plumage black, with brilliant purple and golden- General 

 green reflections, the feathers .tipped with triangular •^^^^crip- 



, . * tion. 



white, or cream-yellow spots. Quills and tail-feathers 

 greyish-black, with the margins pale reddish-brown. Bill 

 lemon-yellow. Legs flesh-red ; in some inclining to 

 yellowish-brown. 



The female differs in having a greater number of white 

 spots upon the back and belly. 



The young birds, previous to autumn, or the first moult, 

 are of a uniform hair-brown colour, lightest upon the 

 throat and under parts. In this state it has been de- 

 scribed by Montagu and Bewick as a distinct species, 

 under the name of the Solitary Tltrush. 



