In’ the Starlings {Sturniclw^ ^ the bill exhibits a nearer 
approach to a conic form, some of the genera, indeed, 
have the bill per- 
fectly conic, such as 
the Ilangnests ( Jc- 
terince ) and Maize 
Birds (Aglaincs), 
which conduct us 
to the next or 
typical family of 
the conirostral 
birds. The bills 
of the common 
Starling and of Icterus hcemorrhoits, represented in 
the cut, will serve to illustrate the general form, 
although there are considerable modifications of form 
and structure exhibited in difierent groups of this 
family. 
The family of Sturnidce, Mr. Vigors observes, em- 
braces a considerable number of groups, approaching 
each other in their gregarious and migratory habits. 
They are found in every part of the globe, united in 
large flocks, carrying destruction among the cultivated 
fields, and following herds of cattle for the sake of 
the insects or grains which they may pick up from 
their bodies, or in their neighbourhood. In addition 
to the American genus Icterus, and the contiguous 
