116 
FRIXGILLTD^.. 
plumage, especially at the lower part of the hack. The mea- 
surements of both were precisely alike. I place theiii in com- 
parison with an average specimen of Loxict curvirostra, a hire! 
li varies greatly in size. 
L. curvirostra. 
L. leucoptera. 
Mliole length, 
7 inches. 
5f niches. 
Wing from flexure to tip, 
3| „ 
Bill from front to tip, . 
3 
4: 
Tarsus, 
tV M 
Middle toe and its claw. 
It will he seen hy the above that the hind claw is longer 
than its toe, a distinguishing character between this species 
and L. hifasciata mentioned by Yarrell.* 
II. STURNIDu^. 
THE COMMON STAELING. 
Sturnus vulgaris. 
STAEX. 
Whatever may be the case upon the mainland of Scotland, 
where we are informed by Mr Gray that thirty years ago the 
Starling was a comparatively scarce bird, it is certain that 
Orkney and Shetland may be included among the outlying 
islands in which, according to the same authority, it has been 
a permanent resident from time immemorial. It also appears 
to be equally abundant in Faroe. It breeds almost everywhere 
— in sea-cliffs, beneath rocks scattered upon the shore, in walls 
either of turf or stone, and sometimes even in peat-stacks; 
and in the island of Uyea I have also found it in rabbit 
ljurrows. The first brood is left to itself soon after it becomes 
perfectly Hedged ; this joins with other broods in the neigh- 
bourhood in similar circumstances, and thus many small flocks 
are found, which become largely increased when reinforced by 
* The table of measurements has been left thus incomplete in the MS., nor 
can I find materials for finishing it. — Ed. 
