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Birds. 
THE STAKE, 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. 
Jn 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 and walls, are very easily tamed, 
and can add to their natural notes any words or modula- 
tions which they are taught. 
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 Star- 
ling in his " Sentimental Journey : " " The bird flew to the 
place where I was attempting his deliverance, and thrust- 
ing 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.' — 'No,' said the Starling, 'I 
can't get out.' c Disguise thyself as thou wilt, still, 
slavery,' said I, ' still thou art a bitter draught !' " 
