The WHITE-BEAKED ROCK GLOSSY STARLING (_Philonorhynchus albirostris_) is
found in Abyssinia, where it frequents the rocky parts of the country, or
lives upon high bare trees or ancient ruins. Its plumage is silky; the
short beak, which is rounded at its tip, is slightly notched, and partly
covered with hair-like feathers at the base of the upper mandible; the
wings are rounded and moderate in size, the third quill being longer than
the rest; the tail is rather long, and square at its extremity; the feet
are powerful, the toes long, and armed with strong hooked claws. The
plumage of the old male is principally of a blueish black, that shines
with a steel-coloured lustre; the tail and large wing-covers are of a
soft velvety black; their quills brownish red, tipped with a blackish
shade upon the outer web. The iris is reddish brown, the beak greyish
brown, and the feet black. The female and young are blueish grey upon
the head, throat, and breast. The length of this bird is about eleven
inches, the wing measures six and a quarter, and the tail four inches and
one-third. Rüppell, who first discovered this species of Rock Starling,
tells us that it lives in flocks, and subsists upon various kinds of
berries and seeds; its movements are light and elegant, and its voice
pleasing and rich in its tones. The capture of this bird is extremely
difficult, as it is exceedingly shy, and ever on the alert against
approaching danger, which it eludes by seeking shelter amongst the
fastnesses of its favourite rocks.
* * * * *
The MOUNTAIN GLOSSY STARLINGS (_Amydrus_) are distinguished by their
decidedly curved and delicate beaks, short rounded wings, long graduated
tail, and silky plumage, which is entirely without the metallic
brilliancy possessed by the birds above described; they inhabit Southern
and Central Africa, and are occasionally met with in Arabia. As an
example of this group we select