BRITISH SQNG-BIRDS. 61 



Description and Plumage, 



Both Montagu and Bewick agree that this 

 bird, in size, figure, and general appearance, (co- 

 lour excepted,) is more like the stare than the 

 thrush. Its bill is pale, dingy hair-brown, incli- 

 ning to yellowish-brown, and, like the starling's, is 

 guarded by a prominent ring. It has a flat head, 

 scarcely higher than the bill, very similar to that 

 of the stare. Head, neck, back, wings, and tail, 

 (the last somewhat forked,) are of an umber-brown 

 colour — the edges and tips of the feathers are pale 

 chesnut-brown, giving these parts a mottled ap- 

 pearance. The chin is gi'eenish-white, tinged with 

 yellomsh-grey, and slightly mottled with very pale 

 umber-bro\vn. Tlie breast and under parts pale 

 umber-brown, and streaked, with yellowish-white 

 legs, and feet yellomsh-brown, inclining to ches- 

 nut-brown. These birds, young and old, with re- 

 spect to their food, diseases, &c. are managed in 

 the same manner as young; and old thrushes. 



