BIRDS OF DUMFRIESSHIRE 109 
roost at certain seasons ; and I am informed by Mr. P. 
Jeffreys that in October, 1905, thousands came to roost at 
Friar's Carse (Dunscore) and continued to do so till March, 
1906, the trees being black with them. The same thing 
happened in the autumn of 1906, but not in 1907. I have 
seen similar flocks roosting in a small reed-bed at Capenoch 
(Keir), and their incessant chattering, and the noise of their 
wings when they rose were remarkable. 
The power of mimicry in this bird is, I fancy, influenced 
by the sounds which are most commonly heard by the 
individual. As I write I can hear a Starhng from time to 
time copying admirably the calls of the Curlew, Blackbird, 
Tawny Owl and Heron. In the Outer Hebrides I remember 
the characteristic " whee-oh " of the Wigeon had been 
learnt to a nicety. Dr. Gilchrist records a Starling 
which imitated "the voices of a variety of birds, and 
particularly the Goose, Duck and Plover, with great 
perfection."* 
Abnormahties of plumage in the StarUng have been 
noticed frequently. " Mabie Moss " records " an example 
of leucotism. A young bird all over of a beautiful pale 
yellow. The forehead, throat and back show a pretty 
canary-yellow tint, in some lights. BiU, Hght orange ; feet 
and legs flesh colour. It was got at Dargavel (Dumfries) in 
May, 1894."t Mr. J. A. Shiels writes me from Newtonairds 
(Holywood), that a pure white Starling was reared there in 
the summer of 1903. It kept about the district for some 
time, but suddenly disappeared ; and this may be the white 
specimen which Mr. J. Harkness describes as now in his 
possession. 
I have already alluded to the partial and general migra- 
tions to which this species is subject. The partial migrations 
are due to the birds gathering in from outlying nesting- 
stations in autumn, and flocking together in search of food 
to those locaHties where they will find it most abundant ; 
* Minutes of D. and G. Nat. Hist. Soc.y December 3rd, 1872. 
t Dumfries Courier and Herald, June 28th, 1894. 
