STURNUS, the STARLING; a genus belonging to the order of passerines. The beak is subulated, depressed, and somewhat blunt; the superior mandible is entire, and somewhat open at the edges; the nostrils are marginated above; and the tongue is sharp and emarginated. There are five species, the principal of which are,
1. The vulgaris, or stare. The weight of the male of this species is about three ounces; that of the female rather less. The length is eight inches three quarters: the breadth fourteen inches. Bill, in old birds, yellow. The whole plumage is black, very resplendent, with changeable blue, purple, and copper: each feather marked with a pale yellow spot. The lesser coverts are edged with yellow, and slightly glossed with green. The quill-feathers and tail dusky: the former edged with yellow on the exterior side; the last with dirty white. The legs of a reddish brown.—The stare breeds in hollow trees, caves of houses, towers, ruins cliffs, and often in high rocks over the sea, such as that of the Isle of Wight. It lays four or five eggs, of a pale-greenish ash-colour; and makes its nest of straw, small fibres of roots, and the like.
In winter, stares assemble in vast flocks: they collect in myriads in the fens of Lincolnshire, and do great damage to the fen-men, by roosting on the reeds, and breaking them down by their weight; for reeds are the thatch of the country, and are harvested with great care. These birds feed on worms and insects; and it is said that they will get into pigeon-houses, for the sake of sucking the eggs. Their flesh is so bitter as to be scarce eatable. They are very docile, and may be taught to speak.
2. The cinclus, or water-ouzel, weighs two ounces and a half: the length seven inches one quarter: the breadth eleven: the bill is narrow, and compressed sideways: the eyelids are white; the head, cheeks, and hinder part of the neck, are dusky, mixed with rust-colour: the back, coverts of the wings, and of the tail, also dusky, edged with bluish ash-colour: the throat and breast white: the belly ferruginous, vent-feathers a deep ash-colour: the legs are of a pale blue before, black behind: the tail short and black, which it often flits up as it is fitting.—This bird frequents small brooks, particularly those with steep banks, or that run through a rocky country. It is of a very retired nature, and never seen but single or with its mate. It breeds in holes in the banks, and lays five white eggs adorned with a fine blush of red. It feeds on insects and small fish; and, as Mr. Willughby observes, though not web-footed, will dart itself after them quite under water. The nest is constructed in a curious manner, of hay and fibres of roots, and lined with dead oak-leaves, having a portico or grand entrance made with green moss.