PLATE XCIIL 
The Starling. 
In this plate is given the female. It is a bird well known in all parts of our kingdom ; they con- 
tinue with us all the year, and we have them in great abundance. In the Summer they frequent 
antiquated buildings and churches, which places they make choice of for their neft ; they are alfo 
to be found in parks, &c. but not in any lonely or unfrequented places, as they are averfe to retire- 
ment. They lay from five to fix eggs, and generally bring as many young ones, being a very hardy 
bird. They are early in breeding, and will have three or four nefts in a feafon. As foon as breeding 
feafon is over they flock together in great numbers, fo as to darken the earth like a cloud. In the 
Winter they retire to fome large dove-houfes for roofting places. I have known twelve hundred 
dozen taken in one night, which has been effeQed by firft clofing the top. If they were not taken 
they would foon deftroy both the eggs and pigeons, being great enemies to them. They are 
brought to the London markets, where they feldom fell for more than a fliilUng or eighteen-pence 
per dozen, as they are not elleemed delicious food. 
