200 
ICTERUS PEEDATORIUS. 
from the latest and most accurate publication I hare 
seen from that quarter.# Speaking of the stare, or 
starling, this writer observes, “ In the winter season, 
these birds fly iu vast flocks, and may be known at a 
great distance by their whirling mode of flight, which 
Biitfon compares to a sort of vortex, iu which the 
collective body performs an uniform circular revolution, 
and, at the same time, continues to make a pro^rressive 
advance. The evening is the time wlieii the stares 
assemble in the greatest numhers, and betake themselves 
to tile feus and mai'slies, where they roost amonj^ 
reeds : they chatter much iu the evening and morning, 
both when they assemble and disperse. So attached 
arc they to society, that thej' not only join those of 
their own species, hut also birds of a ditferent kind ; 
and are frequently seen in company with redwings, 
(^a species of thrush,) fleldtares, and even with crows, 
jackdaws, and pigeons. Their principal food consists 
ot worms, .snails, and caterpillars; they likewise eat 
various kinds of grain, seeds, and berries.” lie adds, 
that, “ in a confined state, tliey are very docile, and 
may easily he taught to repeat short phrases, or whistle 
tuueN with grccat exactness.” 
The red-winged starling is nine inches long, and 
fourteen inches in extent ; the genend colour is a 
glossy black, \vith the exception of the whole lesser 
wing-coverts, tlie first, or lower row of ivhich is of 
a reddish cream colour, the rest a rich and splendid 
•scarlet; legs and bill, glossy brownish black; irides, 
hazel ; bill, cylindrical above, comjiressed at the sides, 
straight, running considerably up the forehead, where 
It IS prominent, rounding and flattish towards the tip, 
though sharp-pointed ; tongue, nearly as long as the 
hill, taperiug and lacerated at the end ; tail, rounded, 
the two middle feathers also somewhat shorter than 
those immediately adjoining. 
The female is seven inches and a quarter iu length, 
and twelve inches in extent; chin, a pale reddish 
* Bewick’s British Birds, part i, p. 119, Newcastle, 1809. 
