CtAss II. STARE. 397 



of straw, small fibres of roots, and the like. 

 In winter, stares assemble in vast flocks : they 

 collect in myriads in the fens of Lincolnshire, 

 and do great damage to the fen-men, by roosting 

 on the reeds, and breaking them down by their 

 weight ; for reeds are the thatch of the country, 

 and are harvested with great care. 



These birds feed on worms, and insects; and 

 it is said that they will get into pigeon houses, 

 for the sake of sucking the eggs. Their flesh is 

 so bitter, as to be scarcely eatable. They are 

 very docile, and may be taught to speak. 



The weight of the male of this species is Descrip- 

 about three ounces ; that of the female rather 

 less. The length is eight inches three quarters : 

 the breadth fourteen inches. The bill, in old 

 birds, is yellow ; the whole plumage is blacL, 

 very resplendent with changeable blue, purple, 

 and copper ; each feather marked with a pale 

 yellow spot ; the lesser coverts are edged with 

 yellow, and slightly glossed with green; the 

 quil feathers and tail dusky ; the former edged 

 with yellow on the exterior side ; the last with 

 dirty white ; the legs are of a reddish brown. 



The Starling visits Italy in February, mi- 

 grates in October, 



