200 ICTERUS PREDATORIUS. 
from the latest and most accurate publication I have 
seen from that quarter.* Speaking* of the stare, or 
starling*, this writer observes, “ In the winter season, 
these birds fly in vast flocks, and may be known at a 
great distance by their whirling mode of flight, which 
Buffon compares to a sort of vortex, in which the 
collective body performs an uniform circular revolution, 
and, at the same time, continues to make a progressive 
advance. The evening is the time when the stares 
assemble in the greatest numbers, and betake themselves 
to the fens and marshes, where they roost among the 
reeds : they chatter much in the evening and morning, 
both when they assemble and disperse. So attached 
are they to society, that they not only join those of 
their own species, but also birds of a different kind ; 
and are frequently seen in company with redwings, 
(a species of thrush,) fieldfares, and even with crows, 
jackdaws, and pigeons. Their principal food consists 
of worms, snails, and caterpillars ; they likewise eat 
various kinds of grain, seeds, and berries.” He adds, 
that, <£ in a confined state, they are very docile, and 
may easily be taught to repeat short phrases, or whistle 
tunes with great exactness.” 
The red-winged starling is nine inches long, and 
fourteen inches in extent ; the general colour is a 
glossy black, with the exception of the whole lesser 
wing-coverts, the first, or lower row of which is of 
a reddish cream colour, the rest a rich and splendid 
scarlet ; legs and bill, glossy brownish black ; irides, 
hazel ; bill, cylindrical above, compressed 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 
bill, tapering 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 in length, 
and twelve inches in extent ; chin, a pale reddish 
* Bewick’s British Birds } part i, p. 119, Newcastle, 1809* 
