Page:The Zoologist, 3rd series, vol 2 (1878).djvu/40

18 I must not omit one more notice by Prof. Pellegrini, who was assured that a pair nested in 1873 near Recoara, and that the nest was found and taken with the young.

But, after all, it is clear that this is the first time in which the Rose-coloured Starling has bred in Italy in such a way and in such large numbers as was exhibited this year at Villafranca. It will be most useful, and not less needful, for me to set forth as succinctly as possible all that I have been able to collect from trustworthy testimony, or that I have myself observed in frequent and repeated excursions from Verona with the same object.

The arrival of Pastor roseus at Villafranca happened on the 3rd June. About four o'clock in the afternoon of that day a small flock of from eighteen to twenty of these birds alighted on the high and ruined walls within the castle, and was followed in about half an hour by another flock of about one hundred, which by their continuous cries attracted the attention of all the people dwelling in the castle precincts. In a short time some country people assembled at the place, and soon witnessed another greater sight, for towards evening appeared many thousands of these Starlings which, joining with the first comers, stopped there till dusk, when all left the place they had visited, and dispersed in very numerous troops over the open country. It is easier to imagine than to narrate the discussions held on that day, and the astonishment of the inhabitants, who were greatly vexed at the sudden loss of these beautiful but unknown birds which had just for the first time met their sight.

But things did not thus continue, for towards 3 of the next day the inhabitants of Villafranca were unexpectedly awakened by the deafening cries of from twelve to fourteen thousand Rosecoloured Starlings which at that hour arrived there, so as to take absolute possession of the castle. A Veronese periodical ('L'Arno,' No. 147, 4th June, 1875) wrote on this subject that the Starlings covered the walls in such excessive numbers as to make them seem alive, and completely black in colour.

From this moment another sight presented itself to the bystanders, for the new-comers without delay began an angry war against the other birds which had their ordinary abode in the castle—Common Starlings, Swallows, Sparrows and Pigeons. These last were soon compelled to retreat to the higher towers. All the others were put to flight after a lung and obstinate contest, which again was followed