356 STARLINGS 
local fluctuations in their numbers due to the influences of the pairing 
and flocking season and of the food supply. Continuous residence, as 
with the English Sparrow, not only implies the possession of powers 
of endurance and adaptability, but gives an advantage over species 
with which there may be conflict over the possession of a nesting-site. 
Such conflict occurs with the 
English Sparrow, but the latter 
nests in so great a variety of 
places that it readily abandons 
one for another. With the Blue- 
bird this is not so, and it is this 
species, more than any other, 
which is threatened by the 
Starling. 
At the present rate of in- 
crease it is clear that within two 
decades the Starling will occupy 
the greater part of the eastern 
States, and unless its spread 
westward be prevented by the 
plains, it may eventually be as 
widely distributed as the English 
Sparrow. It has not as yet been 
decided whether, from an eco- 
nomic standpoint, the Starling is 
a desirable addition to our avifauna; but in spite of his undoubted claims 
to our interest, he is a distinctly foreign element in our bird-life, and 
seems out of place among those species with which we share the bond 
of a birthplace in common. 
About New York City the Starling is among the first birds to nest, 
and the harsh, grating food-call of the young may be heard by May 15. ° 
Here apparently but one brood is raised and young and old begin to 
flock the latter part of May, forming the nucleus of gatherings which 
in late summer and fall contain several thousand birds. Their aérial 
evolutions admirably demonstrate the unity of spirit which appears 
to control the movements of birds in flocks, and are performed with a 
precision which suggests long training and instant obedience. 
The call of the male is a high, clear, rather long-drawn, ascending 
whistle, which may be easily imitated. This appears in its song, which 
is a choking, gasping, guttural soliloquy, with imitations of the notes 
of other birds interspersed. The flocking chorus is an indescribable 
chattering. On a number of occasions I have heard Starlings utter 
notes resembling those of the Wood Pewee (see page 344) but whether 
they were natural or acquired must be determined by some observer 
in the Old World. 
Starlings are walkers, not hoppers, and aside from color, may be 
known by their long, pointed wings, and short, square tail. 
Fig. 98. Starling; winter plumage. 
educed. 
