228 



CASSELLS BOOK OF BIRDS. 



Grasshopper Starlings, on account of the large numbers of those insects destroyed by their agency ; 

 their appearance is consequently often regarded as an unfailing sign that the much-dreaded swarms of 

 locusts are about to infest the land ; others do great service by clearing the backs of cattle from many 

 tormenting parasites. In India, however, the Rose Starlings are by no means regarded with favour, 

 as the damage they do to the fields of rice is frequently extremely serious, and when this means of 

 support is no longer obtainable, other kinds of seeds and grain are resorted to and destroyed in large 

 quantities. Both the nest and eggs resemble those of other Starlings. The disposition of the 

 Shepherd-bird is gentle and pleasing, but it is entirely without the amusing qualities by which the 

 members of this family are usually characterised. 





^ 



THE rose starling (Pastor roseiis). 



The MINA BIRDS (Acridotheres) form a distinct group of Starlings, inhabiting the continent of 

 India. In these birds the beak is short, strong, and slightly curved at its roof; the feet are powerful, 

 the toes long, the tail rounded at its extremity, and the head ornamented with a crest. 



THE MINA BIRD. 



The Mina Bird {Acridothercs tristis) is about ten inches long, three and a half of which 

 belong to the tail ; the wing measures five inches and a quarter. The feathers upon the head, 

 nape, and breast are of a brilliant black ; the rest of the coat is reddish brown, the wings and back 

 being of a deeper shade, and the under side lighter than the rest of the body ; the exterior quills are 

 black, but white at the root, thus giving a somewhat spotted appearance to the wing ; the tail is 

 black, and tipped with patches of white, the latter becoming gradually wider towards the sides ; the 

 belly and lower wing-covers are also white. 



The Minas are among the commonest birds in India, Assam, and Burmah, where they frequent 



