126 
CAGE AXT) SINGING BIRDS. 
distributed, it is in its wild state a tolerably familiar bird^ 
and, therefore^ scarcely needs a description. Its general 
nesting places are hollow trees, old buildings, and holes in 
rocks and chalk pits. Its eggs are of a pale greenish blue 
colour, of a longish oval form, and about an inch and 
a quarter long. It is a gregarious bird, and flies ra- 
pidly, feeding generally on insects and worms, for which it 
hunts the pasture and arable lands, frequenting most those in 
which sheep or cattle are fed. It is especially fond of the 
small meadow grasshopper, and takes both Iruit and grain 
in due season. It sometimes frequents the shores for marine 
worms, and marshy places, where nets are often set in 
the reeds for its capture. This may also be effected in the 
winter by means of limed twigs set round a spot cleared of 
snow, baited with worms. 
The starling belongs to the crow tribe, of which io is the 
smallest resident species. It is a most elegant bird, both in 
shape and colour, and one whose powers of imitation are 
only equalled by its docile and affectionate disposition. 
Young starlings should be taken from the nest before they are 
fledged, and reared upon bread and milk : they will learn to 
whistle an air more clearly and perfectly than almost any 
other bird. Their memories, generally speaking, are ex- 
cellent, so that there is seldom any confusion of the pas- 
sages, that is, if they are thoroughly and carefully taught ; 
the females, as well as the males, are capable of being so in- 
structed. Sagacious as a dog, and as gentle and obedient, 
too, the starling well deserves to be what it is, a great fa- 
vourite with most bird-fanciers ; it will talk like a parrot, 
perch upon the shoulders of those it loves, caress them, and 
follow them whithersoever they go ; it is gentle and kind to 
its fellow inhabitant of the aviary, is subject to few diseases, 
and generally a long liver. Its natural song is by no means 
nnmelodious, having a peculiar harp-like sound. It will eat 
the universal paste, meat, bread, insects — almost anything 
that is not sour. Water to drink and to wash its glossy 
speckled plumes the starling requires in plenty, as it adds 
cleanliness to its other good qualities. 
PAKEOTS. 
We now enter upon the consideration of a tribe of birda 
