Lhe Starling, 29. 

the rook. It is widely spread over the world. The 
Starling is a well-known bird, and may be heard 
chattering in early spring as it sits fluttering its wings 
Ommeie mom. ol some cottage, or on ‘a’ tree, where it 
wishes to make its nest. It builds in April or the 
beginning of May. Its nest is composed of dried 
grass, a few feathers, and wool. The female lays 
from four to six eggs. lhe young remain in the nest 
“until they are able to take their daily flight with 
the old birds, and are brown until their first moulting, 
when they change to the description of plumage given 
ape@vyeweumey ate easily brought up from the nest, 
and) if kept from hearing other noises, will whistle a 
short song, which: they can be taught by repeating the 
tune over two or three times early and late in the day. 
They will also speak words distinctly—even short 
sentences—and can be taught other amusing accom- 
'plishments, without the cruel practice of clipping the 
tongue. This bird is very affectionate to its young, 
and if a weasel should find its nest, the parent birds 
will fight most strongly, darting at the creature with 
sévere pecks. Their diet consists of the worms and 
msects they ind on the -sround,, Where sheep and 
Orcimater sent. it 15.41, COMMON “ecclIrence, to See ce 
