2H 
A DESCRIPTION OF 
THE STARE, OR STARLING, (Sturnus vulgaris.) 
Is about the size and shape of a blackbird ; the tips of 
the feathers on the neck and back are yellow ; the feathers 
under the tail of an ash colour ; the other parts of the 
plumage are black, with a purple or deep blue gloss, 
changing as it is variously exposed to the light. In the 
hen, the tips of the feathers on the breast and belly, to the 
very throat, are white; which constitutes a material point 
in the choice of the bird, as the female is no singer. She 
lays four or five eggs, lightly tinctured with a greenish 
cast of blue. Starlings build in hollow trees and clefts of 
rocks, are very easily tamed, and can add to their natural 
notes any words or modulation they are taught to learn. 
In the winter season Starlings collect in vast flocks, and 
may be known at a great distance by their whirling mode of 
flight. The evening is the time when they assemble in the 
greatest numbers, and betake themselves to fens and marshes. 
Sterne has immortalized the Starling in his Sentimental 
Journey : " The bird flew to the place where I was at- 
tempting his deliverance, and thrusting his head through 
the trellis, pressed his head against it, as if impatient. 'I 
fear, poor creature,' said I, ' I can't set thee at liberty' 
