_Sturnus vulgaris. Case 2, Figs. 24, 25_
In winter conspicuously dotted with whitish; in
summer with but few dots and a yellow bill; at all
times with a short tail and long wings. L 8-1/2.
_Range._ Introduced from Europe into Central Park,
New York City, in 1890, now more or less numerous
from Virginia to Maine; occasional west of the
Alleghanies. It is a quick, active bird, probing
the ground now this side, now that, as it walks
rapidly over our lawns. The short tail and long
wings are most noticeable in the air and
distinguish the Starling from our other black
birds.
A long-drawn whistle, such as one calls to a dog, is the Starling's most
common note, but it has many others. It nests in April, often after
quarreling with Flickers for possession of a nest-hole in which to lay
its pale bluish eggs. The young appear in mid-May and their harsh,
rasping food-call is a common note for several weeks; then the birds
begin to gather in companies which, later, form flocks of thousands.