23S CASSELL'S book OF BIRDS. 



with hair-like feathers at the base of the upper mandible ; the wings are rounded and moderate in size, 

 the third quill being longer than the rest ; the tail is rather long, and square at its extremity ; the feet 

 arc powerful, the toes long, and armed with strong hooked claws. The plumage of the old male is 

 principally of a blueish black, that shines with a steel-coloured lustre; the tail and large wing-covers 

 are of a soft velvety black ; their quills brownish red, tipped with a blackish shade upon the outer 

 web. The iris is reddish brown, the beak greyish brown, and the feet black. The female and young 

 are blueish grey upon the head, throat, and breast. The length of this bird is about eleven inches, the 

 wing measures six and a quarter, and the tail four inches and one-third. Riippell, who first discovered 

 this species of Rock Starling, tells us that it lives in Hocks, and subsists upon various kinds of berries 

 and seeds ; its movements are light and elegant, and its voice pleasing and rich in its tones. The 

 capture of this bird is extremely difficult, as it is exceedingly shy, and ever on the alert against 

 approaching danger, which it eludes by seeking shelter amongst the fastnesses of its favourite rocks. 



The MOUNTAIN GLOSSY STARLINGS (Amydrus) are distinguished by their decidedly 

 curved and delicate beaks, short rounded wings, long graduated tail, and silky plumage, which is en- 

 tirely without the metallic brilliancy possessed by the birds above described ; they inhabit Southern 

 and Central Africa, and are occasionally met with in Arabia. As an example of this group we select 



THE NABURUP. 

 The Nadurup (Amydrus Naburup), is a bird about nine inches and two-thirds long ; the wing 

 measures five and a quarter inches, and the tail four inches. The colour of the plumage is a dark steel 

 blue, except upon the six first quills, these being reddish brown upon their outer web, light brown upon 

 their inner portion, and blackish brown at their tips ; the iris is light red, the beak and feet pale 

 black. The coat of the female resembles that of the male, but she is somewhat smaller. The young 

 are brown, spotted with steel blue. In its habits this species is social and its song agreeable ; like its 

 congeners, it builds amongst the rocks of Abyssinia, forming in some cases small settlements, and 

 weaving its nest with so little skill as to permit the eye to penetrate its interior. Both sexes assist in 

 the work of incubation, but beyond this we have no knowledge of their habits. 



The ORIOLES (Orioli) constitute a family of beautiful birds, regarded by some ornithologists 

 as allied to the Thrushes, and by others classed with the Birds of Paradise, but to which we venture to 

 assign a position in this place. They are recognisable by their elongate slender bodies, long wings, 

 and tails of moderate size ; the feet are short, the toes strong, and armed with powerful claws ; the 

 beak is long and conical ; both mandibles are rather vaulted, and the upper one terminates in a slight 

 hook. The plumage, which is soft and gay in its colours, varies considerably, according to the age or 

 sex of the bird ; and, when destitute of the brilliant gloss by which it is usually distinguished, is still 

 more varied in its hues. Several of the most interesting species of this family inhabit Australia, and 

 none of its members are found beyond the limits of the eastern hemisphere. All may be regarded as 

 tree-birds, though some few spend a considerable portion of their time upon the ground, over which 

 they hop with an extremely heavy, awkward step ; amongst the branches, on the contrary, their 

 movements are light and graceful, and their voice is both full and pleasing in its tones. Fruit and in- 

 sects constitute their principal food. During the period of incubation many species separate entirely 

 from their companions, towards whom they testify considerable animosity and jealousy; but others 

 remain in the company of their associates even at that season of the year. The nests of all are placed 

 upon trees, and are remarkable for the neatness and beauty of their construction. 



