224 CASSELLS BOOK OF BIRDS. 



tion as is the Starling, whose cheerful voice may be heard amidst the utmost inclemencies of the 

 weather, as it perches fully exposed to all the attacks of wind or rain, and appears philosophically 

 indifferent to the scantiness of its supply of food. No sooner has spring commenced than the males 

 may be seen about towns or villages, perching upon the steeples or high trees and pouring out their 

 song, which is accompanied by a variety of animated gesticulations. We are, however, perhaps, giving 



SI - 



THE COMMON starling [Sturnus vulgaris). 



our readers a wrong impression by speaking of the sounds uttered by the Starling as being a song, for it 

 is, in fact, little more than a succession of harsh, loud, distinct sounds, uttered by the energetic vocalist 

 with so much gaiety and expression as to render the performance quite attractive, especially when 

 combined, as it occasionally is, with imitations of the songs of many other birds. Even such noises as 

 the creaking of a door, the clattering of a windmill, or the crowing of a cock may often be clearly dis- 

 tinguished amongst its attempts at mimicry ; the little singer will frequently continue its vocal exercise 



