STURNIN^. 
These birds inhabit most pai'ts of the globe, i^erforming regular migrations in vast flocks, which occasions them to 
appear in different localities at stated periods. They mostly frequent swampy places, and are often seen in company 
with other birds. Their flight Is rapid and even. The typical species has a singular habit of performing, before retiring 
to roost on the reeds or trees, manojuvres in the air, as if the flock were describing rapid revolutions round a common 
centre, but while on the ground they walk with the greatest ease. Their food chiefly consists of worms and Insects. 
They also feed on grain and seeds, which are usually obtained by searching the ground. Their notes consist of a 
shrill whistle, occasionally varied by a chattering noise ; they often imitate the cries of other birds and animals. It is 
in the holes of trees or in old buildings that these birds form their nests of dry grass or hay. The female lays from four 
to five eggs. 
1. S. vulgaris Linn. PI. enl. 75. — Sturnus vxyixk Meyer, Gould, 
B. of Eur. pi. 210. ; S. indicus Hodgs. 
2. S. unico/or Marm. PI. col. 111., Gal. dcs Ois. t. 91-, Gould, 
B. of Eur. pi. 211. 
3. S. 
? 
Voy. Pole Sud, Ois. t. 1(5. f. 2. 
4. S. cinerascens Temm. PI. col. 55(). 
5. ? S. o/ivaceus Osb. — Sturnus fuscus Gmel. 
G. ? S. vAridis Osb. 
Stuunella VieilL* 
Bill long and straight, with the cnlmen sloping, and the sides compressed to the tip, which is 
depressed and obtuse ; the lateral margins nearly straight, and the gonys long and ascending ; the nostrils 
lateral, and placed in a small groove, with the opening partly covered by a membrane. Wings moderate ; 
with the first quill rather shorter than the second, third, and fourth, which are equal and longest. Tail 
rather short, and rounded, with the ends of the feathers narrowed. Tarsi as long as the middle toe, 
strong, and covered in front with broad scutellations. Toes long; with the inner toe longer than the 
outer, which is slightly united at the base ; the hind toe long ; the claws long, curved, and very acute. 
The species of this genus are found In America, frequenting the pasture fields and meadows, or open plains, where 
they examine the ground for their food, which consists of particular kinds of seeds, insects, and their larva; ; but in the 
winter season they are seen In the rice plantations, and sometimes In tlie farmyards and in out-buildings. They 
alight on the trees to roost ; whence they send forth a long, clear, and somewhat melancholy, though sweet, note. This 
is sometimes followed by a kind of low rapid chattei'Ing, and again the clear and plaintive strain is repeated as before. 
Their flight Is laborious and steady, sailing and renewing the rapid action of the wings alternately. The nest Is built 
usually in or below a thick tuft or tussock of grass ; it Is composed of dry grass, leaving an entrance level with the 
ground. The eggs are four or five In number. 
1. ^. ludovicianus (Linn.) PI. eul. 2.56. — Sturnella collaris 
Vieill. ; Cacicus alaudarius Baud. ; Alauda magna TJnn. Catesb. 
Carol, pi .3.3., Wils. Amer. Orn. pi. If), f. 2., Audub. B. of Amer. 
pi. \3C). 
2. S. militaris (Linn.) Pi. enl. 113. 
3. S. Loyca (Molin.). 
4. S. nrglecta Audub. B. of Amer. 2d edit. pi. 489. 
5. S. hippocrepis Wagl. Isis. — Sturnella collaris Vigors. 
CuKAniox Vieill. 
Bill longer than tlie head, and rather straight, witli the culmen flattened and sloping, and the sides 
compressed to the tip, which is depressed and obtuse ; tlie lateral margins straight, and angulated neai^ 
* Established by A'ieillot in 18 Ki {Aiinlg.w, &c. p. :ik). 
