Common Srartine. OMNIVORI. STURNUS. 93 
rinus), which they obtain by turning over the small stones 
on the beach with their bills. 
The Starling is a very imitative bird, and, when tamed> 
may be taught to articulate very distinctly, and to whistle 
tunes with much precision. In its wild state even, it may fre- 
quently be heard endeavouring to imitate the cries of diffe- 
rent birds and animals. Its own peculiar notes are a shrill 
whistle, and chattermg kind of noise. It is found through- 
out Europe; and the same species appears to be common also 
in Asia, as I have seen specimens from Nepaul that are pre- 
cisely similar.—The flight of the Starling is smooth and even, 
without any saltatory motion, like the sparrow ; and it walks 
with ease, like the lark, or wagtail, seldom or never using the 
hopping action of the thrush. These birds are often seen in 
company with rooks, pigeons, and jackdaws, and I have wit- 
nessed a small flock of them associating fer a considerable 
time with a body of lapwings (Vanellus cristatus). 
Puate 36. Fig. 1. A male bird, of the natural size. 
General plumage black, with brilliant purple and golden- 
green reflections, the feathers tipped with triangular 
white, or cream-yellow spots. Quills and tail-feathers 
greyish-black, with the margins pale reddish-brown. Bill 
lemon-yellow. Legs flesh-red; in some inclining to yel- 
lowish-brown. 
The female differs in having a greater number of white 
spots upon the back and belly. 
The young birds, previous to autumn, or the first moult, 
are of a uniform hair-brown colour, lightest upon the 
throat and under parts. In this state it has been de- 
scribed by Monracu and Bewick as a distinct species, 
under the name of the Solitary Thrush. 
Flight. 
General 
descrip- 
tion. 
