File:The birds of Europe (1837) (14771852383).jpg

Identifier: birdsEuropeIIIGoul (find matches)
Title: The birds of Europe
Year: 1837 (1830s)
Authors: Gould, John, 1804-1881
Subjects: Pictorial works Birds
Publisher: London, Printed by R. and J.E. Taylor, pub. by the author
Contributing Library: Smithsonian Libraries
Digitizing Sponsor: Biodiversity Heritage Library

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Text Appearing Before Image:
etween these twolatter stages, birds may be found in the same flock which exhibit plumage in every intermediate state. It maybe observed, that as the feathers become elongated the white spot at the tip becomes less and less, till in theold bird it is lost. The males and females at the same age offer but little difference in plumage ; the male,however, is generally the most brilliant in his markings. We consider that these birds breed at a year old, although their plumage, as above stated, afterwardsundergoes a considerable change. The plumage of the old male in spring is peculiarly beautiful, not so much from its variety of colours asfrom the glossy metallic hues with which it seems burnished, exhibiting ever-changing reflections of purple andgolden green ; the upper wing-coverts marked with small triangular whitish spots ; the lower coverts and thetail slightly edged with white ; beak yellow ; feet reddish flesh-colour:—the centre figure in our Plate exhibitsthe bird in this stage.
Text Appearing After Image:
* ■ s** Sturnus unicolor; /, l£a/rr/i lh>ivMu«Tt>&<m/<Stvn* 6wJ~£, ZSeula . , ^< SARDINIAN STARLING. Sturnus unicolor, Marm.LEtourneau unicolore. The Sturnus unicolor does not possess that wide range of habitat which characterizes the preceding species,the Sturnus vulgaris. It is dispersed over the warmer parts of Spain, Sardinia, and the rocky shores of theMediterranean generally. In these situations it may he observed in small numbers throughout the year,building in the recesses of the rocks, in the absence of which, old towers and ruins offer it an asylum equallysuited as a place of repose, and a situation where it may raise its progeny: in fact, its general habits andmanners bring it in close connexion with the Sturnus vulgaris; and if it is not seen congregated in almostcountless flocks, it must be attributed to the limited number of the species, rather than to any difference inmanners. We have not, with any degree of satisfaction, be

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