The GREAT BOAT-TAIL (_Quiscalus major_) is sixteen inches long, and
twenty-four broad. Its entire plumage is black, but the head and neck are
shaded with rich purple, and the wings and tail-feathers have a bright
green shimmer. The female bird is considerably smaller than the male,
rarely exceeding thirteen inches in length and eighteen in breadth; her
colour is a dull, deep, greyish brown upon the upper part of the body,
and reddish brown underneath. In both sexes the eye is pale yellow, and
the beak and feet black.
This species inhabits the Southern States of North America, and is very
numerous in marshy districts, or upon the banks of rivers; it likewise
frequents the salt marshes, and may be seen on the sea coasts in large
flocks during the entire year, searching in the mud for crabs and worms,
upon which it principally subsists. It does not appear to feed upon
insects, but is very destructive to fruit gardens, and fields of corn or
rice. By the month of February the male has acquired his full beauty,
and at once seeks a mate, retiring with her into the woods, where he
exhibits his new plumage in every point of view, apparently to excite
her admiration, its extreme brilliancy causing it to be seen glistening
and shining even at some distance, as the bird expands its feathers in
the full blaze of the sun. During the time employed in the selection of
a companion all the quarrelsome feelings of which rivals are capable
seem to be aroused, but that important business once settled, the flock
subside into their usual peaceful state, and set about the construction
of their nests in perfect harmony, usually preferring some marshy
locality. The eggs are four or five in number, of a greyish white colour,
variegated with brown and black spots. Both parents assist in rearing
the young, who are supplied with all kinds of food, the nests of other
species being frequently robbed in order to provide for the wants of the
nestlings. The Boat-tails, in their turn, suffer considerably from the
attacks of their many enemies, of whom the alligator may be considered
as one of the most formidable, for being well aware what dainty morsels
these fat and tender birds afford, it is ever on the watch to shake them
from their nest among the reeds into the water, or by gliding quietly
along in the direction from which it hears the young ones cry, secures at
least a part of the brood, before the mother can warn her family of their
danger. Like its congeners, the Boat-tail is extremely active; it climbs
among the reeds with great rapidity, combining the boldness of the Crow
with the agility of the Starling; its flight is undulating, and its song
not unpleasing, though without great pretensions to melody. During autumn
and winter it associates with many other birds, amongst which Herons are
frequently met with.
* * * * *
The STARLINGS PROPER (_Sturni_) are birds of moderate size, compactly
built, with short tails, long wings, rather long and broadly conical
straight beaks, and high, strong feet; their plumage is rich, but harsh
and very varied in its colouring. Like the rest of the family, they
are of social habits, living together in flocks throughout the whole
year, and carrying on all the business of life in common. Despite their
somewhat clumsy appearance, they are extremely active, both upon the
ground and in the air; their step is quick, but rather waddling; their
flight light and noisy; and their movements in the trees extremely agile.
All the members of the group are lively, restless, busy creatures, which
may literally be said never to rest, except during the time they pass in
sleep. Their food consists of insects, worms, and snails; occasionally
they will eat fruit or the delicate parts of some plants, but never
in such quantities as to be troublesome. The nest, which is large and
irregular in its construction, is generally placed in holes of trees,
rocks, or walls; the eggs are usually from four to seven in number. Few
birds are more eminently adapted for domestication, their many talents
rendering Starlings universal favourites when caged.