The SCALY GLOSSY STARLING (_Pholidauges leucogaster_) is met with over
a large portion of Africa, and also occasionally found in Arabia. The
plumage of this gaily-bedizened bird is of a rich violet over the whole
of the back and throat as far as the breast, these parts being pervaded
by a beautiful blue reflection or shimmer; the breast and belly are
white, the wings blackish brown, bordered with violet, and relieved, as
are all the darker portions of the body, by a copper-coloured metallic
brilliancy; the iris is light brown, and the beak and feet black. The
young differ widely in appearance from the adults, the upper portion of
their bodies being striped with light and dark shades of brown, while the
under parts are reddish white, streaked with brown. The male is about
seven inches long, and twelve and a half broad; the wing measures four
inches, and the tail two inches and three-quarters.
These birds are widely distributed throughout the countries where they
reside, generally, however, preferring mountainous districts; they
are eminently arboreal, and but rarely pass any length of time upon
the ground. In their mode of life they resemble other Starlings, but
are very quiet compared with the rest of their family. When in flight
their plumage is extremely striking, for, instead of its usual violet
hue, its back glitters in the sunlight with a bright _copper colour_,
and it is only when it remains stationary that the blue shades become
apparent, insomuch that those who are lucky enough to bring down one of
them with the gun are astonished to find how they have been deceived as
to the real colours. In its movements this brilliant bird is light and
elegant, flying with great rapidity high in the air; when in search of a
resting-place, it selects the tops of high trees, those in the immediate
vicinity of water obtaining a decided preference. Heuglin tells us that
he has seen these birds living 2,000 feet above the sea, but gives us no
information as to their nests, or habits during the breeding season.
* * * * *
The GLOSSY MAGPIES (_Lamprotornithes_) constitute a small group belonging
to the family of the Starlings. They somewhat resemble the Jay in their
form and habits, and are of larger size than the species we have been
describing. They are, moreover, remarkable for the great development
of their tails; the beak is small and delicate; the upper mandible is
arched, and curves slightly outwards at its edges; the wings are long,
and the tail so sharply graduated, that the exterior feathers are only a
third of the length of those in its centre; the tarsi are high, the toes
long, and armed with strong claws.
[Illustration: THE SCALY GLOSSY STARLING (_Pholidauges leucogaster_).]