194 BIRDS OF THE WORLD 



surroundings that they are able to keep themselves 

 well out of sight. 



Stablings 



The Common Starling belongs to a family that is 

 peculiar to the Old World. These birds seem to be 

 most nearly related to the Golden Oriole, as already 

 mentioned. The Starling is an extremely beautiful 

 bird, its plumage, purplish and greenish in general 

 tone, having a wonderful metallic lustre. The new 

 feathers, assumed after the autumn moult, have light 

 buff tips, which gradually wear off as the summer 

 livery is gained. See Plate 20, Fig. 120. 



These birds lay their eggs in holes or the hollow 

 trunks of trees, making but little pretence at nest- 

 building. Young Starlings are of an ash-brown 

 colour, totally unlike that of the adult birds. 



The Starling has been introduced into this country 

 in recent years, where it breeds well and seems to have 

 become completely naturalised. Like the English 

 Sparrow, it is combative in disposition, and is said to 

 be driving away some of our native birds. 



Dippers 



The birds of this family enjoy the unique distinction 

 among perching birds of being not only able to swim, 

 but also to run or fly along the beds of swift streams. 

 The Dipper, or Ouzel, is like a large Wren in appear- 

 ance, having a stout body and a very short tail. The 

 upper parts are dark brown, and the breast white. It 

 receives its name from the habit of dipping or ducking 

 in the water. The Dipper is an insect-feeder, though 



