260 
STURNID-ffi. 
bending for the whole length, and without any 
trace of a notch ; the plumes covering the nos- 
trils are close and stiff, and appear as if rounded off 
with scissors on the bill. Legs and feet are of the 
same brilliant tint with the bill, and are strongly 
formed ; the claws brownish black, crooked and 
strong ; the development of the wings and tail 
large and powerful, the flight consequently light 
and buoyant ; length, about fifteen inches. The 
bill and legs of the young do not shew for some 
time the brilliant red colour. 
We have reached the second family of the 
Coniroslres, the Sturnidse or Starlings, but two 
species only holding a place in the British list, 
we shall be able to enter but slightly into the 
forms of the various genera which compose it. 
The birds at present included in it are almost all 
above the middle size ; they are chiefly grega- 
rious groups, and many of them feed much on the 
ground. The colours of the plumage are rich 
and varied, generally, however, dark, and running 
through all the beautiful gradations of black, blue, 
and green. When relieved by other tints, it is 
by broad masses of crimson and yellow, in a few 
instances of white. The first member we have 
to notice is the Common Starling, according to 
Swainson forming the Conirostral as well as typical 
form of the family, and exemplified in the genus. 
Sturnus, Linn Generic characters. — Bill 
depressed from the base ; culmen rounded, 
