Rosy Starling (2/3)
Pastor roseus (Linnaeus, 1758) (311, 23)
Photo © KG Webb - Isles of Scilly
Ex BBRC species 31/12/2001
RECORDS (cont.)
231). 1901 Yorkshire Rolston Hall, Hornsea, seen, 14th November.
(B. Haworth-Booth, Field 23rd Nov., 1901: 829; Nelson, 1907; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 253).
History Ben. Haworth-Booth, of Rolston Hall, Hornsea, Hull (1901) in The Field of 23rd Nov., Vol. XCVIII. p. 829, says: 'On Thursday last, the day after the great gale, a Rose-coloured Pastor was seen here. It appeared to be very tame and tired, and we did not molest it.'
Nelson (1907 (1): 223) says: 'Hull, Rolleston Hall, one seen, November 1901 (Field, 23rd November 1901).'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 253, under the title 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Comment I can't find Rolleston Hall, Hull, on the OS map, but there is a Hall at Rolston, near Hornsea. The 23rd November was a Saturday, but I can't believe that he meant the 21st and published it so quickly so I have chosen the 14th as the day.
232). 1903 Northumberland Holy Island, adult, shot, early October.
(G. Bolam, History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club 19: 70; Bolam, 1912; Kerr, 1980).
History G. Bolam (1903) in the History of the Berwickshire Naturalists' Club, Vol. XIX. p. 70, says: 'One was shot by a Newcastle gentleman, at Holy Island, about the beginning of October 1903. From the description it appears to have been an adult, and it was in company with a flock of Starlings when shot.'
Bolam (1912) adds: 'One killed from a flock of Starlings, on Holy Island, by Mr. H. C. Wilson, of Tynemouth, about the beginning of October, 1903.'
233). 1903 Shetland Halligarth, Unst, seen, 3rd November.
(T. Edmonston Saxby, Zoologist 1904: 230; T. Edmonston Saxby, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1904: 156; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 253; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History T. Edmondston Saxby of Unst (1904) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. VIII. p. 230, and in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XIII. p. 156, says: 'One - the only one I have ever seen alive - in the garden at Halligarth, on Nov. 6th, 1903; it was sitting on a branch of mountain-ash, and I had a good look at it.'
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 253, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
Comment Shame it was not aged.
234). 1906 Shetland Foula, five or six, seen, including one adult male, 28th October.
(W. Robertson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 51; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1907: 141; H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst, British Birds 1: 253; Baxter & Rintoul, 1953; E. E. Jackson, Scottish Birds 4: 50).
History William Robertson of The Manse, Foula (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 51, says: 'On the 28th of October five or six Rose-coloured Pastors (Pastor roseus) appeared in the garden of the Congregational Manse at Foula, Shetland, one of them being a fine adult male. A southerly wind prevailed at the time of their visit.'
Admitted by John Paterson of Glasgow (1907) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVI. p. 141, in the annual report for 1906.
Admitted by H. F. Witherby & N. F. Ticehurst (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 253, under 'On the More Important Additions to our Knowledge of British Birds since 1899'.
239). 1906 Essex Pitsea, shot, autumn.
(W. Cole, Essex Naturalist 14: 272; Christy, 1890; Glegg, 1929; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).
History W. Cole (1906) in the Essex Naturalist, Vol. XIV. p. 272, says: 'Mr. Hutton also exhibited a specimen of the very rare bird, Pastor roseus, taken at Pitsea this autumn. Very few specimens were known from the county, not more than three or four at the most (see Christy's Birds of Essex, page 130).
[The bird was first noticed as a British "visitor" by George Edwards (the Stratford Naturalist whose portrait is in E.N., Vol. XIII. plate 13) who, in 1742 figured a specimen killed at Norwood, and which was then preserved in a coffee house at Chelsea. - Ed.]...Mr. Christy made some remarks upon these very interesting specimens.'
240). 1907 Norfolk Toftrees, obtained, April.
(Eds., British Birds 2: 34; Seago, 1977).
History In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 34, they say: 'One at Toftrees in April.'
241). 1907 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, obtained, spring.
(Clarke, 1912).
History Clarke (1912 (2): 105) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Rose-coloured Starling - Adult male reported on good evidence, as having visited the island in the spring of 1907.'
242). 1907 Caithness Dunbeath, seen, 11th July.
(J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 195; Eds., British Birds 2: 139).
History Admitted by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 195, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology', who says: 'One shot at in the company of Starlings at Dunbeath (Caithness) on 11th July.'
In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 244, they say: 'A specimen of Pastor roseus was shot at Dunbeath on July 11th, 1907 (Ann. S.N.H., 1908, p. 195).'
243). 1907 Argyll Bonawe, Loch Etive, male, picked up dead, early autumn.
(Oban Times 31st August 1907; Eds., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 49; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 195; Eds., British Birds 1: 297).
History In an Editorial (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 49, quoting the Oban Times of 31st August 1907, they say: 'A fine male Pastor roseus was found dead by Mr. Baird, of Bonawe, during the early days of autumn.'
Admitted by John Paterson (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 195, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology', who says: 'Early in the autumn one found dead at Bonawe (Argyll), according to the Oban Times (p. 49).'
In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. I. p. 297, they say: 'A male Pastor roseus was found dead by Mr. Baird, of Bonawe, during the early autumn (Oban Times, August 31st, 1907).'
244). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, seen, spring.
(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 71; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 205; Clarke, 1912; Dymond, 1991).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 71, says: 'An adult male in full plumage visited the island in spring. A similar bird was reported, on good evidence, as having appeared in 1907.'
Admitted by John Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 205, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology.'
Clarke (1912 (2): 105) under 'The Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'Rose-coloured Starling - Adult male reported on good evidence, as having visited the island in the spring of 1908.'
245). 1908 Caithness Near Reay, seen, 2nd July; same, Clayock, near Georgemas, male, shot, 7th July.
(A. Hughes-Onslow, Field 11th July 1908: 91; Eds., Annals of Scottish Natural History 1908: 260; Eds., British Birds 2: 139; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 205).
History A. Hughes-Onslow of Braunston, Oakham, Rutland (1908) in The Field of 11th July, Vol. CXII. p. 91, says: 'On July 2, on some sandy ground about half a mile east of Reay, in Caithness, I saw a Rose-coloured Pastor. I had an excellent view of the bird, and had no whatever as to what it was, although I had never seen one alive before. On reaching Thurso I went to Mr. L. Dunbar, the naturalist, and described the bird to him, when he at once confirmed my opinion and told me that during the forty years he had been in Thurso he had only heard of three occurrences of this rare visitor.'
In an Editorial (1908) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 260, in a review of current literature, say: 'A. Hughes-Onslow, The Field, July 11, 1908, p. 91. - Specimen seen on 2nd July, about a half-a-mile east of Reay.'
In an Editorial (1908) in British Birds, Vol. II. p. 139, he says: 'Major A. Hughes-Onslow writes that he had an excellent view on July 2nd last of a specimen of Pastor roseus on some sandy ground near Reay, in Caithness (Field, 11.vii.08, p. 91).'
John Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVII. p. 205, in the annual 'Report on Scottish Ornithology', says: 'One seen about half a mile E. of Reay on 2nd July (The Field, 11th July, 1908, p. 91). Clayock, near Georgemas, one (male) shot, 7th July.'
Comment I believe these two reports refer to the same individual as the localities are only fifteen miles apart.
246). 1908 Northamptonshire Thrapston Gravel-pits, shot, late July.
(W. C. Cattell, British Birds 3: 262; Taylor MS., 1959).
History W. C. Cattell (1910) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 262, says: 'A Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) was shot near Thrapstone [sic] at the end of July, 1908, and is now in my possession.'
247). 1908 Fair Isle No locality, juvenile, seen, 19th October.
(W. E. Clarke, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 71; J. Paterson, Annals of Scottish Natural History 1909: 205; Clarke, 1912; Dymond, 1991).
History W. E. Clarke (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 71, says: 'An adult male in full plumage visited the island in the spring. A similar bird was reported, on good evidence, as having appeared in 1907.'
Admitted by J. Paterson (1909) in the Annals of Scottish Natural History, Vol. XVIII. p. 205, in the annual report.
Clarke (1912 (2): 94) under 'A Year at Fair Isle' in George Stout's diary of 1908, says: '19th October - Southerly gale; much colder. Rose-coloured Pastor, an example was well seen among a number of Redwings and Song Thrushes. It afterwards left these, and joined a flock of Starlings. It was very wary, and kept to the face of the cliff.'
248). 1909 Lincolnshire Cleethorpes, adult, 1st to 3rd August.
(W. E. Suggitt, British Birds 3: 126; W. E. Suggitt, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 1920: 127; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History W. E. Suggitt (1909) in British Birds, Vol. III. p. 126, says: 'On August 1st I saw a male Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) feeding on some late cherries in my garden at Cleethorpes, Lines. The bird remained in the vicinity of the cherry-trees all day, and was there early on the following morning, after which it disappeared. It was very wary, but by taking cover I got a good view of it from a distance of only a few yards and could see no signs of its having been in captivity. There was no wind and it rained heavily all day.'
W. E. Suggitt (1920) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, 1920: 127, says: 'Pastor roseus (Rosy Pastor). On the 1st August 1909, this bird (in perfect plumage) came to my garden at Cleethorpes, and remained for three days, feeding on cherries.'
249). 1913 Bedfordshire Near Thurleigh, adult male, picked up dead, October.
(J. Steele-Elliott, Zoologist 1915: 118; Eds., British Birds 9: 29; Trodd & Kramer, 1991).
History J. Steele-Elliott of Dowles Manor, Shropshire (1915) in The Zoologist, 4th series, Vol. XIX. p. 118, under 'Rose-coloured Starling in Bedfordshire', says: 'An adult male Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) obtained in the above county has recently been examined by me. It was picked up dead in October, 1913, by some children between the villages of Ravensden and Thurleigh. It was eventually taken to a taxidermist in Bedford, by whom it was purchased. The only other county record that I am aware of is a young bird of the year, shot at Barton-in-the-Clay, in August, 1855 (see also Naturalist, Vol. VI. p. 20.).'
In an Editorial (1915) in British Birds, Vol. IX. p. 29, they say: 'Mr. J. Steele Elliott states (Zool., 1915, p. 118) that he has recently examined an adult male Pastor roseus which was picked up dead near Thurleigh in October, 1913.'
250). 1918 Norfolk Marlingford, adult, seen, October.
(J. H. Gurney, Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society 10: 395).
History J. H. Gurney (1919) in the Transactions of the Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society, Vol. X. p. 395, says: 'A Rose-coloured Pastor frequented some fields at Marlingford, near Norwich, in October, 1918, where it was seen with a flock of about forty starlings by Mr. Parker, from whose description the bird was evidently an adult. This species has become curiously rare in Norfolk of late, and in the last forty years only one, or at the most two, have been recorded for the County.'
251). 1921 Yorkshire Roos, Holderness, two, 20th January.
(E. W. Wade, Naturalist 47: 134; Eds., British Birds 15: 69; B. G. Jalland, Field 9th Apr., 1921: 469; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).
History E. W. Wade (1921) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. XLVII. p. 134, says: 'On January 20th, two Rose-coloured Starlings (Pastor roseus) were observed at Roos in Holderness, in company with a flock of Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris). Messrs. B. G. Jalland and H. Ringrose were driving on the high road, when their attention was drawn by the groom to two unusual birds perched in a bush on the roadside. The birds permitted a close approach, and were identified with certainty. The size was about the same as a Starling, with rose-coloured bodies, the one more brightly coloured than the other. No doubt they had come over with a flock of migratory Starlings, as a similar occurrence has been reported from the South of England this winter.'
In an Editorial (1921) in British Birds, Vol. XV. p. 69, they say: 'Mr. E. W. Wade records (Nat., 1921, p. 134) the occurrence of two Pastor roseus in Holderness on January 20th, 1921.'
Boswell G. Jalland of Sutton, Hull (1921) in The Field of 9th Apr., Vol. CXXXVII. p. 469, says: 'I was much interested in your reply to G.L.P. in The Field of Feb. 19, for on Jan. 20 last a friend and I saw two Rose-coloured Pastors near Ross [Roos], in Holderness. They were in a willow bush by the roadside, and my chauffeur, who first saw them, stopped the car, when they flew out of the bush within ten yards of us, and appeared to settle again by the roadside behind us. We had our guns in the car, and could, no doubt, easily have shot them. They were so near us that it was impossible to be mistaken as to their identity.'
Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 42; Mather 1986).
253). 1925 Hampshire Petersfield, seen, 10th April.
(Hampshire Bird Report 1933; Clark, 2022).
History Clark (2022) states that this individual was seen by Dr. C. R. Haines on 10th April 1925 at Petersfield.
254). 1925 Isle of Wight Bembridge, male, caught, 26th June.
(J. M. Goodall, British Birds 19: 129).
History J. M. Goodall (1925) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 129, says: 'On June 26th, 1925, a fine male Rose-coloured Pastor (Pastor roseus) was brought to me alive for identification. It was in beautiful plumage, quite unharmed, and had been captured in a garden at Bembridge under a net placed over raspberry canes. On the next morning, prior to returning the bird to the owner of the garden where taken, I placed in the cage, in which I had accommodated it during the night, the following items of diet: - 12 or 14 raisins; 5 small earth worms (washed and alive); 10 or 12 woodlice (alive); quantities (comparatively) of ripe apple and cold roast lamb - lean and fat - cut up fine; every scrap of which the bird devoured with great relish!
According to Kelsall and Munn (Birds of Hampshire, pp. 79-80) there are four (possibly only three) previous occurrences of the bird recorded for the Isle of Wight.'
255). 1925 Outer Hebrides St Kilda, adult male, caught, 9th July.
(W. E. Clarke, Scottish Naturalist 45: 148; Eds., British Birds 19: 288; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 71; Harris & Murray, 1989).
History Wm. Eagle Clarke (1925) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLV. p. 148, says: 'A fine adult male of this species was captured at St Kilda on 9th July 1925, and was kindly forwarded to me by my correspondent at this remote group. It is being mounted for the British collection in the Royal Scottish Museum. This gypsy migrant has not hitherto been known to have visited the Outer or Inner Hebridean Islands, and has rarely been detected in western Scotland, where it has occurred as far north as West Ross and once in the Isle of Skye.'
In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 288, they say: 'Dr. W. E. Clarke records (Scot. Nat., 1925, p. 148) the occurrence of an adult male Pastor roseus at St. Kilda on July 9th, 1925. The bird has not hitherto been known to occur in either the Outer or Inner Hebrides.'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 71, in the annual report.
256). 1925 Perth & Kinross Invergowrie, Perthshire, adult, shot, 5th October.
(R. Kennedy, Scottish Naturalist 45: 180; Eds., British Birds 19: 288; E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul, Scottish Naturalist 46: 71).
History R. Kennedy of Invergowrie (1925) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLV. p. 180, says: 'On 5th October 1925, a beautiful specimen of the Rose-coloured Starling was shot at Invergowrie, Perthshire, where it was feeding in a stubble field in the company of a flock of Common Starlings.'
In an Editorial (1926) in British Birds, Vol. XIX. p. 288, they say: 'In the same journal [Scottish Naturalist 1925] (p. 180) Mr. R. Kennedy states that an example was shot at Invergowrie on October 5th, 1925.'
Admitted by E. V. Baxter & L. J. Rintoul (1926) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. XLVI. p. 71, in the annual report.
257). 1925 Clyde Islands Port Bannatyne, Bute, seen, November.
(McWilliam, 1927).
History McWilliam (1927) says: 'One was seen at Port Bannatyne in Bute, in November 1925.'
258). 1928 Sussex South Heighton, Newhaven, seen, 18th June.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 61) says: 'On the 18th June 1928 I myself saw a Rose-coloured Starling consorting with common Starlings on the hills above South Heighton.'
259). 1928 Flintshire Near Mostyn, seen, 18th August.
(S. W. P. Freme, British Birds 22: 137-138; Lovegrove, Williams & Williams, 1994).
History S. W. P. Freme (1928) in British Birds, Vol. XXII. pp. 137-138, says: 'On August 18th, 1928, at a point about three miles beyond Mostyn on the estuary of the Welsh Dee, I watched two Rose-coloured Starlings (Pastor roseus) feeding with Starlings in a swamp close to the sandhills. One bird appeared to me to be an adult female, having the pink on the upper and lower parts decidedly dull but perfectly distinct. The other appeared to be almost entirely dark brown above with light spots and edgings on the tail; and, but for the presence of the rosy bird, I should probably have overlooked it. Under the glasses, however, it appeared clearly to be not a common Starling. The crown-feathers of this bird were no more elongated than those of a common Starling with crest erected, but in the pink bird were quite clearly seen to be much longer. They were, however, nothing like the length of the crest-leathers of the adult male, which bird I have both seen and handled in Turkey.'
Comment The description of the immature bird is not convincing. Only the supposed adult female acceptable.
260). 1929 Sussex Fishbourne, seen, 2nd February, 1st and 8th March.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 61) says: 'Mr. R. Carlyon-Britton wrote to tell me that he had one under continual observation on February 22nd and 1st and 8th March in his garden at Fishbourne.'
261). 1929 Fair Isle No locality, juvenile male, shot, 15th November.
(J. Wilson, Scottish Naturalist 50: 8; Eds., British Birds 24: 84; P. J. Roberts, British Birds 75: 38-40; Dymond, 1991).
History Jerome Wilson of Fair Isle (1930) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. L. p. 8, under 'Saharan Desert Wheatear and Rose-coloured Pastor at Fair Isle', says: '...shot here...and a young male Pastor on 15th November.' [The Pastor, Pastor roseus, was a bird of the year, which had only begun its moult into adult plumage - five tail feathers, the two outer secondaries in each wing, and one scapular feather were new. - Eds.]
In an Editorial (1930) in British Birds, Vol. XXIV. p. 84, they say: 'A young male on November 15th, 1929 (J. Wilson, p. 8).'
P. J. Roberts (1982) in British Birds, Vol. LXXV. pp. 38-40, says: '...In 1958-79, there have been 13 accepted records of juvenile Rose-coloured Starlings in Britain and Ireland, all between 23rd August and 9th November. Of these, only one showed active wing- and tail-moult: an individual trapped on Bardsey, Gwynedd, in early October 1979.
This bird was very peculiar (plates 9-11). The left wing had four new, virtually fully-grown inner primaries; the rest of the wing was old. The feathers of the right wing were all old, except for the innermost primary, which was just two-thirds grown. The tail was old except for two fully-grown new outer feathers on the right side.
The only other details of moulting juveniles in Britain come from two trapped on Fair Isle, Shetland: one on 15th November 1929 had symmetrical wing moult, the inner two primaries being replaced, but one tertial moulted out of sequence on the right wing, and the tail an erratic mixture of new and old feathers fully-grown; the other, on 28th October 1938, was in the same stage of symmetrical wing-moult, but no tail-moult; neither showed any sign of body-moult.
As most passerines should normally moult in a very strict and symmetrical order, these examples of late and asymmetrical moult might be due to some disruption of the bodily functions controlling moult, caused by the stress of being a totally 'off-course' vagrant.'
262). 1930 Sussex Rye, seen, 16th February.
(Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 61) says: 'A friend of Dr. Bryant saw one on a sheep's back at Rye on 16th February 1930, which from the description must have been this species.'
263). 1932 Argyll Iona, first-summer, seen, 11th July.
(C. Cairnie, Scottish Naturalist 52: 152).
History C. Cairnie of Seafield, Largs (1932) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LII. p. 152, says: 'On 11th July last I had the pleasure of watching a Rosy Pastor associating with a small flock of Starlings in the grounds of the Columba Hotel, Iona. Its shape, flight and actions were almost identical with those of its companions. The colour of the bird was greyish mixed slightly with pink, instead of the rosy pink of the adult male. The suggestion of a crest was shown in some elongation of the occipital feathers; the legs were yellowish and the bill yellow at the tip.'
264). 1932 Devon Exmouth, adult male, 4th August.
(F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1932: 15; Eds., British Birds 26: 170; Moore, 1969).
History F. C. Butters, E. W. Hendy, H. G. Hurrell & J. H. Comyns (1932) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. V. p. 5, says: 'Exmouth. Adult watched at close quarters in his garden by Col. R. M. Byne. August 4th. per. W.W.W.'
In an Editorial (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 170, they say: 'Colonel R. M. Byne informs us that he had good views, both flying and perched, of a Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) in his garden at Exmouth on August 4th, 1932. As the head, neck, wings and tail showed black and the rest of the body pink, the bird was no doubt an adult. M. A. Mathew (Birds of Devon) gives details of some twenty-three occurrences in the county, but there seem to be no recent records.'
265). 1932 Orkney Holm, Mainland, shot, 25th August, now at Stromness Museum.
(D. J. Robertson, British Birds 26: 221; Booth, Cuthbert & Reynolds, 1984).
History Duncan J. Robertson (1932) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 221, says: 'The following occurrences of rare visitors to Orkney have come under my notice. Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus). - One was shot on August 25th, 1932, by F. Eunson, Jnr., at Little Millhouse, parish of Holm. This bird is being set up for the Stromness Museum.'
266). 1932 Lincolnshire North Cotes, seen, 10th September.
(G. H. Caton Haigh, British Birds 26: 253; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History G. H. Caton Haigh (1933) in British Birds, Vol. XXVI. p. 253, says: 'On September 10th, 1932, a Rose-coloured Starling was seen by Mr. J. H. Stubbs in a grass field close to the village of North Cotes with a small flock of Starlings. He saw it at a very short distance and his description was so good that there can scarcely be any mistake. There was a fresh S.W. wind and showery weather.'
267). 1933 Sussex Lower Beeding, near Horsham, seen, November to March 1934.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1934: 21; Walpole-Bond, 1938).
History R. Whitlock (1934) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. I. p. 21, says: 'We have had a Rose-coloured Starling or Pastor in our garden all winter. It lives and feeds with the other Starlings and comes each morning for the crumbs put out for other birds.'
[Note by Mrs. H. M. Foulis, Lower Beeding, Horsham, in Spring Number of Bird Notes and News.]
Walpole-Bond (1938 (1): 61) says: 'Mrs. H. M. Foulis wrote to me of one she observed in her garden at Lower Beeding, near Horsham, between November 1933 until next March, which was feeding with ordinary Starlings within ten yards of her house.'
268). 1934 Devon Lundy, adult male, seen, 18th to 26th June.
(H. H. Davis, British Birds 28: 49; D. Lack, British Birds 28: 77; Moore, 1969).
History H. H. Davis (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 49, says: 'While at Lundy, Bristol Channel, on June 18th, 1934, Messrs. F. R. Willcox, G. Stretton Smith, A. P. Harman and myself had excellent views of a Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus), which, from its fine plumage, appeared to be an adult male. It was first noticed on the half-way wall at a distance of about 20 yards and it then flew out of sight beyond the quarter-wall.
A short while later it was again watched at close quarters about the half-way wall and on boulders along the east-side slopes, when the crest, the glossy black head, wings and tail and the rose-pink upper parts and breast were easily noted. Though for the most part silent its call-note on one occasion, when taking wing, closely resembled that of the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris).
Although there do not appear to be any authentic records during recent years, this species used apparently to be a regular spring visitor to the Island (see Loyd, Lundy Hist. and Nat. Hist., 1925, p. 153).'
David Lack (1934) in British Birds, Vol. XXVIII. p. 77, says: 'During a visit to Lundy I had excellent views on June 24th and 26th, 1934, of the Rose-coloured Pastor, which has already been recorded (antea, p. 49).'
269). 1935 Shetland Mid Yell, Yell, seen, 13th June.
(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 25; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 25, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Rose-coloured Starling. - One seen at Mid Yell on 13th June 1935 by Mr. Charles J. Inkster.'
270). 1935 Dumfries & Galloway Kippford, Dumfriesshire, seen, early September.
(Dumfries Courier and Herald 7th September 1935: 4; H. S. Gladstone, Scottish Naturalist 56: 29).
History Anon. (1935) in The Dumfries Courier and Herald, of 7th September, 1935, p. 4, says: 'A Kippford correspondent writes: - There has arrived at the village a very interesting feathered visitor, namely, a Rose-coloured Pastor (Pastor roseus, Linn.). This beautiful bird, arrayed in black, white, and rose pink, with long crest, belongs to Eastern Europe, and is only occasionally seen in this country, usually in the summer. It is being fed in the garden of Mrs. Logan.'
Hugh S. Gladstone (1936) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXII. p. 29, says: 'A Rose-coloured Pastor frequented the garden of a resident at Kippford village early in September 1935; as reported in The Dumfries Courier and Herald 7th September 1935.'
271). 1936 Shetland Sumburgh, Mainland, adult male, seen, 1st July.
(G. Waterston, Scottish Naturalist 57: 25; Venables & Venables, 1955).
History George Waterston (1937) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVII. p. 25, under 'Bird Notes from Shetland', says: 'Rose-coloured Starling. - An adult male was seen in the gardens at Sumburgh House on 1st July 1936 by Mr. George Stout.'
272). 1936 Cornwall The Lizard, seen, 2nd August.
(Penhallurick, 1978).
History Penhallurick (1978: 330) says: 'One near the Lizard was first seen on 2nd August 1936 (Miss R. Phillips in litt. or verbally).'
273). 1937 Kent Dungeness, immature female, seen, early June.
(Eds., British Birds 31: 194; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
History In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 194, they say: 'We have received the following notes additional to those already published on this subject (cf. antea, p. 149). Kent. - A bird which from the description appeared to be an immature female was seen by Mr. J. R. Tart at Dungeness early in June.'
274). 1937 Fair Isle No locality, 8th to 11th June.
(Williamson, 1965; Pennington et al., 2004).
History P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) says: 'One for several days in June, 1937.'
Pennington et al. (2004) adds: '...one on 8th-11th June 1937.'
275). 1937 Isles of Scilly Bryher, male, seen, 13th June.
(B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1937: 28; H. M. Quick & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report 1937: 92; Penhallurick, 1978).
History B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine (1937) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VII. p. 28, say: 'On June 13th, one male seen on Bryher, Isles of Scilly. H.M.Q., D.V.'
H. M. Quick & D. Valentine (1937) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VII. p. 92, under 'Bird notes from the Isles of Scilly', say: 'On our second day on Bryher, we had an astounding vision. As we came over the brow of a hill, we saw a Rose-coloured Pastor (a male in full plumage), feeding in the grass. We were able to watch him for some time at a reasonable distance before he saw us and flew away. Bearing in mind the possibility of his being a tame bird, escaped from captivity, we made enquiries on the island, but failed to elicit any information about such a captive bird; also his behaviour was that of a normal wild bird. We never saw him again, though we looked out for him during the whole of our stay. This was on June 13.'
Penhallurick (1978: 330) says: '1937. A male on Bryher on 13th June.'
276). 1937 Cambridgeshire Melbourn, shot, 19th June.
(R. N. Ticehurst, Cambridgeshire Bird Report 1937: 4; Bircham, 1989).
History R. N. Ticehurst (1937) in the Cambridgeshire Bird Report, p. 4, says: 'One shot in an orchard near Melbourn, June 19th (W.F.). This is the first record for the county since 1856.'
Bircham (1989) says: 'On 19th June 1937 one was shot in an orchard at Melbourn.'
277). 1937 Pembrokeshire Gateholm, seen, 19th June.
(Eds., British Birds 31: 149; Lockley, 1949).
History In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 149, they say: 'The following reports of occurrences of the Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) have reached us (all the dates are in 1937), and we shall be glad to hear of any other birds having been seen. Pembrokeshire. - Mr. A. B. McArthur writes that he saw one on the coast opposite Gateholm on June 19th.' It was ccepted locally (Lockley 1949: 41).
278). 1937 Sussex Near Seaford, seen, 21st June.
(R. Whitlock, South-Eastern Bird Report 1937: 20; Eds., British Birds 31: 194).
History R. Whitlock (1937) in the South-Eastern Bird Report, Vol. IV. p. 20, says: 'One was seen in the company of Starlings on downs near Seaford on June 21st (A.G.G.).'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 194, they say: 'We have received the following notes additional to those already published on this subject (cf. antea, p. 149). Sussex. - A single bird was observed by Mrs. A. G. Glenister on June 21st near Seaford accompanying a flock of Starlings.'
279). 1937 Norfolk Near Kelling, adult female, 7th July; presumed same, Cley-next-the-Sea/Salthouse area, 7th July.
(R. M. Garnett, Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk 1937: 10; Eds., British Birds 31: 149; Eds., British Birds 32: 21; M. J. Seago, Transactions of Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society 16: 46; Seago, 1977).
History R. M. Garnett (1937) in Wild Bird Protection in Norfolk, pp. 8-9, under 'Notes from the Kelling-Salthouse-Cley area', says: 'July 1937. A Rose-coloured Starling turned up at Kelling on the 7th, and spent the day on a field of clover then being cut, and feeding on some insects too small to be visible among the fallen swathes. It was easily approached in a motor and was sketched from one by J. C. Harrison the well-known bird artist. As its crest was not particularly pronounced it was probably a female. Its body plumage was a clear shade of pink, as also were its bill and legs.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 149, they say: 'The following reports of occurrences of the Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) have reached us (all the dates are in 1937), and we shall be glad to hear of any other birds having been seen. Norfolk. - Mr. Ronald M. Garnett informs us of one (an adult) near Kelling on July 7th (gone on 8th). This bird was feeding on insects in a field of clover which was being cut. A few Starlings were present but it did not mix with them.'
In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 21, in a Review of the Transactions of the Norfolk & Norwich Naturalists' Society, for 1937, they say: 'A Rose-coloured Starling was seen on July 7th.'
280). 1937 Caernarfonshire Tremadoc, 17th July to 17th August when picked up dead.
(Eds., British Birds 31: 149; Eds., British Birds 31: 194; Hardy, 1941; Jones & Dare, 1976).
History In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 149, they say: 'The following reports of occurrences of the Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) have reached us (all the dates are in 1937), and we shall be glad to hear of any other birds having been seen. Carnarvonshire. - Mr. G. H. Caton Haigh writes of an adult, which was in a garden near Porthmadoc from about July 17th. Mr. Haigh saw this bird in a bush of Berberis thunbergi, upon the berries of which it appeared to be feeding. The bird was found dead in an emaciated condition on August 17th.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 194, they say: 'We have received the following notes additional to those already published on this subject (cf. antea, p. 149). Carnarvonshire. - Mr. H. E. Forrest writes that a bird, which was probably the same as that reported by Mr. Caton Haigh as seen about July 17th, was noted by another observer in the neighbourhood from the end of June.'
281). 1937 Cornwall Daymer Bay, St Minver, seen, 6th August.
(B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1937: 28; Ryves, 1948; Penhallurick, 1978).
History B. H. Ryves & D. Valentine (1937) in the Cornwall Bird Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. VII. p. 28, say: 'On August 6th, a male was seen in a field at cliff-tops between Greenaway Estate and Daymer Bay at 6 p.m., and watched for twenty minutes by the two undersigned and two others. It was in excellent condition and plumage, and we were able to approach to within ten yards and watch the bird with the naked eye. It was accompanied by what to the best of our knowledge was an immature Common Starling of doubtful sex. The two called to each other, and always joined each other when flushed or otherwise alarmed, flying short distances on each occasion. The companion bird was much less tame than the "Pastor". Flocks of Common Starlings were moving and feeding in neighbouring fields, but were some distance from the "Pastor" and his companion who did not join them. The two eventually flew inland, and were no longer followed. They were not seen again in spite of diligent search on the following and subsequent days. C. and M. R.'
Ryves (1948: 142) says: 'The only record of recent times was of a single with Common Starlings near Padstow, on the 6th of August.'
Penhallurick (1978: 330) says: 'One near Daymer Bay, St Minver, on 6th August.'
Comment There is no obvious C. and M.R. in the Observers List in the Bird Report but there is a Charles Reath and Mrs. Reath, of London and Polzeath.
282). 1937 Yorkshire Between Kilnsea and Spurn, adult, 17th August.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 63: 223; Eds., British Birds 31: 149; Chislett, 1952; Mather, 1986).
History Ralph Chislett (1937) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXIII. p. 223, says: 'On August 17th, 1937, just before noon, my wife and I walked down the line between Kilnsea and Spurn Point. Several birds, notably Wheatear, Stonechat, and young Cuckoo ready for migration seemed to find the rails to be convenient perching places from which to scan the sand, grasses, etc., for insects. As we advanced they maintained their distance by short flights, eventually turning to the scrub to right or left, but usually returning to the rails after we had passed. One bird shaped and sized like a Starling, when viewed through the telescope and field-glass against the sunlight, seemed to glint metallically; but I was able to identify it as a Rose-coloured Pastor. Viewed from the reverse position, with the sun behind us, an arc having been described through the scrub back to the line, the bird had the appearance of a miniature Hooded Crow, with the mantle, sides and underparts of a pale pink hue instead of grey; and with pink legs and feet. The black, backward crest wavered in the wind. We set the bird down as a male. The pastor was seen again on our return journey. When the bird flew closely past us from the scrub it chattered weakly in a manner reminiscent of the Fieldfare, but much more subdued. I am not aware of any recent record of the species for Yorkshire. Among the occurrences given in Nelson's Birds of Yorkshire is one of an old female at Spurn on August 30th, 1884.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 149, they say: 'The following reports of occurrences of the Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) have reached us (all the dates are in 1937), and we shall be glad to hear of any other birds having been seen. Yorkshire. - Mr. Ralph Chislett records (Nat., 1937, p. 223) that he and Mrs. Chislett watched one on Spurn Point on August 17th. The pink on the bird and the black crest were clear, showing it to be an adult. It was perched on some rails and flew down to the ground and back again with insects upon which it fed.'
Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 42; Mather 1986).
283). 1937 Herefordshire Leintwardine, seen, 2nd to at least 14th September.
(N. M. Collins, Field 27th Nov., 1937: 1406; Eds., British Birds 31: 274; Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).
History Neville M. Collins of Jellabad House, Tidworth, Hampshire (1937) in The Field of 27th Nov., Vol. CLXX. p. 1406, says: 'I have just returned from staying in the village of Leintwardine on the borders of Herefordshire and Shropshire, and every day, from September 2nd until 14th - when I left - a specimen of the Rose-coloured Starling made its appearance on one or more occasions in the garden. There can be no doubt as to its identity, as it was seen by myself and other competent observers at close range on a number of occasions. It was attracted, I suspect, by the presence of a mulberry tree, which was full of fruit and on which it generally seen feeding. It appeared to be in good condition, and although seldom seen with flocks of common Starlings, was not bullied by them, rather the reverse being the case. Although not remarkable for its shyness, the bird was generally seen when the garden was deserted; but if frightened away, it would sometimes return within a few minutes. I should be interested to know whether any of your reader are aware of the loss of a specimen of this bird in the neighbourhood, as if this is not so, this appearance so far west - within eight miles of Knighton in Radnorshire - must be almost a record.'
In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 274, they say: 'Mr. N. M. Collins states (Field, November 27th, 1937, p. 1406) that he observed a Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) from September 2nd to 14th, 1937, while staying at Leintwardine. The bird frequently fed on mulberries.'
Locally, Gilbert & Walker (1954: 7) say: 'One was seen at Leintwardine, 2nd to 14th September, 1937.'
284). 1937 Gwent Near Monmouth, Monmouthshire, adult female, shot, 11th September.
(G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon, Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society 1937: 37; Eds., British Birds 31: 194; Ingram & Salmon, 1939; Gwent Ornithological Society, 1977).
History G. C. S. Ingram & H. Morrey Salmon (1937) in the Transactions of the Cardiff Naturalists' Society, Vol. LXX. p. 37, say: 'An adult female was shot near Monmouth on September 11th or 12th, 1937, and sent to Mr. A. W. Ecutt, taxidermist, Newport, Mon., to whom we are indebted for the record.'
In an Editorial (1937) in British Birds, Vol. XXXI. p. 194, they say: 'We have received the following notes additional to those already published on this subject (cf. antea, p. 149). Monmouth. - Mr. H. M. Salmon writes that he has examined an adult obtained near Monmouth on September 11th or 12th.'
285). 1937 Yorkshire Near Sandburn Wood, between York and Scarborough, seen, 20th September.
(S. H. Smith, Naturalist 64: 81; Eds., British Birds 32: 19; Chislett, 1952).
History Sydney H. Smith (1938) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXIV. p. 81, says: 'A Rose-coloured Starling or Pastor was seen on the York-Scarborough main road near to Sandburn on September 20th, 1937, by Dr. Stanley Upton, M. B. (of York). The bird was feeding on horse droppings.'
In an Editorial (1938) in British Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 19, they say: 'A Rose-coloured Starling (Pastor roseus) was seen near Sandburn on September 20th, 1937 (Nat., 1938, p. 81).'
Accepted locally (Chislett 1952: 42).
286). 1938 North-east Scotland Near Luthermuir, Kincardineshire, shot, early August, now at Montrose Museum.
(D. Duncan, Scottish Naturalist 58: 177; Crighton, 1976; Phillips, 1997).
History D. Duncan of Montrose (1938) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LVIII. p. 177, says: 'A specimen was shot near the village of Luthermuir, Kincardineshire, in the beginning of August 1938. It was killed by a boy guarding fruit trees in mistake for a partially white blackbird. It was in good plumage and is being set up for the Museum at Montrose. The Rosy Pastor is an occasional visitor to Scotland and has already been recorded from southern Kincardineshire.'
287). 1938 Fair Isle No locality, juvenile, trapped, 28th October.
(P. J. Roberts, British Birds 75: 38-40).
History P. J. Roberts (1982) in British Birds, Vol. LXXV. pp. 38-40, says: '...In 1958-79, there have been 13 accepted records of juvenile Rose-coloured Starlings in Britain and Ireland, all between 23rd August and 9th November. Of these, only one showed active wing- and tail-moult: an individual trapped on Bardsey, Gwynedd, in early October 1979.
This bird was very peculiar (plates 9-11). The left wing had four new, virtually fully-grown inner primaries; the rest of the wing was old. The feathers of the right wing were all old, except for the innermost primary, which was just two-thirds grown. The tail was old except for two fully-grown new outer feathers on the right side. The only other details of moulting juveniles in Britain come from two trapped on Fair Isle, Shetland: one on 15th November 1929 had symmetrical wing moult, the inner two primaries being replaced, but one tertial moulted out of sequence on the right wing, and the tail an erratic mixture of new and old feathers fully-grown; the other, on 28th October 1938, was in the same stage of symmetrical wing-moult, but no tail-moult; neither showed any sign of body-moult.
As most passerines should normally moult in a very strict and symmetrical order, these examples of late and asymmetrical moult might be due to some disruption of the bodily functions controlling moult, caused by the stress of being a totally 'off-course' vagrant.'
288). 1938 Suffolk Melton, undated.
("C.S.L." Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society 4: 92; Payn, 1978).
History "C.S.L." (1938) in the Transactions of the Suffolk Naturalists' Society, Vol. IV. p. 92, says: Of the peculiarly scarce Birds recorded during the year, the Red-breasted Snipe, Limnodromus griseus, Gmelin, observed in Devon, must be accorded pride of place; this sandpiper is an American species, unnoticed in Suffolk since John Hoy recorded a male near Yarmouth (Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., VI, 1841, 236). We have two occurrences here of the Rose-coloured Starling, Pastor roseus, L., one at Melton and a bunch of five together that was identified by a local observer at Somerleyton; but there have been a good many instanced in other parts of the country this year, evidently one of peculiar influx in their case.'
Payn (1978) 2nd edition, says: 'The first one since about 1871 was recorded by C. S. Last at Melton in 1938.'
289). 1939 Fair Isle No locality, a few (3), seen, summer.
(G. Waterston, British Birds 38: 228; Pennington et al., 2004).
History G. Waterston (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 228, under 'Notes from Fair Isle, 1939-45', says: 'Rose-coloured Starling - A few remained throughout the summer of 1939. G.S.'
Comment G.S. = George Stout, an islander.
292). 1940-41 Herefordshire Mordiford, seen, winter.
(Gilbert & Walker, 1954; Walker & Smith, 1975).
History Gilbert & Walker (1954: 7) say: 'One at Mordiford with Starlings in the winter of 1940-41.'
293). 1944 Cambridgeshire Pemford Farm, Stapleford, adult, seen, 22nd October.
(R. J. Raines, Cambridge Bird Club Report 1944: 5; Bircham, 1989).
History R. J. Raines (1944) in the Cambridge Bird Club Report, p. 5, says: 'An adult was watched for 20 mins. at Pemford Farm, Stapleford, on October 22nd, associating with Starlings. It was first noticed perched on a fence post when the rose-pink body, black head, crest, wings and tail were noted. In flight very much like Common Starling and indistinguishable when colours not visible. (A. Darlington).'
Accepted locally (Bircham 1989).
294). 1944 Isles of Scilly Tresco, immature female, November.
(B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick, Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report 1944: 45; Eds., British Birds 38: 358; Penhallurick, 1978).
History B. H. Ryves, D. Valentine & H. M. Quick (1944) in the Cornwall Bird-Watching & Preservation Society Report, Vol. XIV. p. 45, say: 'The following records of very exceptional interest come from Major Dorrien Smith: - Rose-coloured Starling. An immature female in November, 1944.'
In an Editorial (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 358, they appear to accept this record in a Review of the Annual Report.
295). 1945 Norfolk Cley-next-the-Sea, 11th June, now at Cambridge University Museum.
(Seago, 1977; Taylor, Seago, Allard & Dorling, 1999).
History Seago (1977) says: 'One in the Borrer Collection at the University of Cambridge was obtained at Cley on 11th June 1945.'
296). 1945 Dumfries & Galloway Sanquhar, Dumfriesshire, adult male, seen, 15th June and caught 16th June, escaped three weeks later.
(H. Gladstone, British Birds 38: 373-374; O. J. Pullen, Transactions of the Dumfries Natural History & Antiquarian Society 24: 97).
History Hugh Gladstone (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. pp. 373-374, says: 'A Rose-coloured Starling, the first of its kind to be recorded from Dumfriesshire, was seen in a garden, in Sanquhar, on 15th June 1945. It was feeding, with sparrows and other birds, on scraps which had been thrown out. On the following day it was caught, when it appeared to be undoubtedly a wild bird; a male in full plumage. After feeding well and thriving in captivity for about three weeks it escaped.'
Olaf J. Pullen (1945-46) in the Transactions of the Dumfries Natural History & Antiquarian Society, 3rd series, Vol. XXIV. p. 97, says: 'A cock bird of this rare species, in fine breeding plumage, was seen and caught by Mr. Alexander Crawford, Sanquhar, in June, 1945.
Rose-coloured Starlings, as they are often called, are birds of South-East Europe, of the Steppes of Hungary, and the hills of Turkey and Dalmatia, and are only seen on very rare occasions in the British Isles. This seems, to be the first record for the South-West of Scotland.
The bird was much like an ordinary starling, in appearance, with the same slim body-build and long pointed bill, the same size, and the same, restless active habits. Mr. Crawford, being an experienced observer of birds, noticed the rose-pink colour of the slender bill and the pale pink in a heart-shaped patch on the back below the dark neck. He noticed particularly how the bird occasionally erected the handsome crest of dark feathers, which at other times hung like an inch-long mane down the neck. The colour of the plumage scarcely merits the description, rose-coloured. The back, breast, and under-parts were very pale shell-pink, almost salmon-pink. Only the rump and flanks, exposed when the bird spread its wings, were bright rosy-pink. The head was black with a bluish sheen, and the wings dark but with a blue-green iridescence. The legs were bright red, and the bill, which had a curving upper mandible, was rose-pink at the tip. At times the dark feathers of the crest could be seen hanging very prettily over the pink of the back.'
297). 1945 Caernarfonshire Criccieth, seen, 21st June.
(M. H. Moss, British Birds 38: 373; Jones & Dare, 1976).
History M. H. Moss (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 373, says: 'On 21st June 1945, at about 10.30 pm., my sister and I looked out of a window of our house at Criccieth when a group of birds which were evidently Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, alighted with a rush on the bushes in the garden. Amongst them was a beautiful bird with pink body, black wings and tail and black head. We have since been shown volume I of The Handbook of British Birds and on plate 4 easily recognised the bird we saw, the Rose-coloured Starling. We could not see any crest, but the light was not very good. The distance from the window to the bushes was about 24 feet. The birds rested for perhaps a minute and then suddenly rose and flew off eastwards.'
Still accepted locally (Hope Jones & Dare 1976).
298). 1945 Somerset Porlock, adult, seen, 25th July.
(F. L. Blathwayt, British Birds 38: 373; F. L. Blathwayt, Report on Somerset Birds 1945: 5; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).
History F. L. Blathwayt (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 373, says: 'On 25th July 1945, a Rose-coloured Starling was seen at about noon on Porlock Marsh, West Somerset, by Mr. Michael Dawson, of Brighton. Later in the afternoon it was not there. The bird was feeding with a flock of Starlings Sturnus vulgaris, and was the last to rise each time they were approached. It was seen repeatedly at close range through binoculars and the observed noted "black head, tail and wings; body above and below pure rose-pink; size very slightly larger than a Starling".'
F. L. Blathwayt (1945) in the Report on Somerset Birds, Vol. XXXII. p. 5, says: 'One seen and identified at Porlock on July 25 by M. Dawson, with whom F.L.B. has corresponded about the record. It was feeding with a flock of Starlings.'
Accepted locally in a listing (Palmer & Ballance 1968: 173; Somerset Ornithological Society 1988).
299). 1945 Devon Seaton, adult male, seen, 28th to 31st July.
(M. Brooks-King et al., Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1945: 61; F. C. Butters, British Birds 38: 373; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King et al. (1945) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XVIII. p. 61, say: 'Seaton. July 30th, watched an adult male in its splendid rose and black plumage. Bird appeared on July 28th in Mrs. Smart's garden, attracted by her mulberries and presence of Common Starlings. (F.C.B.). Seaton. Roosted on house-roof in Fore Street for several nights (C.I.L.).'
F. C. Butters (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 373, says: 'An adult male Rose-coloured Starling appeared in a Seaton garden on 28th July, 1945, and was seen by me on 30th July. It haunted a garden within 200 yards of the sea coast, just off the busiest street of the town, attracted by the fruit of a mulberry tree and the company of a small flock of Common Starlings Sturnus vulgaris. It was also seen to feed on dog-biscuits. The bird left on 31st July.'
Accepted locally (Moore 1969).
300). 1945 Shetland Dunrossness, Mainland, August.
(Venables & Venables, 1955).
History Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'Of recent years we have seen single birds in Dunrossness during August and September.'
Comment No idea where the year came from.
301). 1945 Highland Sligachan, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, 4th September.
(G. Wilson, British Birds 38: 374).
History Gordon Wilson (1945) in British Birds, Vol. XXXVIII. p. 374, says: 'On 4th September 1945, I had a good view of a Rose-coloured Starling at Sligachan, Skye. The bird perched for about two minutes on the upright of a fence, looking very bedraggled and lethargic.'
302). 1946 Cornwall Between Launceston and Liskeard, adult, seen, 24th August.
(P. S. Burns, British Birds 40: 115; Penhallurick, 1978).
History P. S. Burns (1947) in British Birds, Vol. XL. p. 115, says: 'Motoring between Launceston and Liskeard, Cornwall, on August 24th, 1946, I noticed a brilliant pink and black bird about the size of a Starling Sturnus v. vulgaris; the back, rump and breast were pink and the tail, wings and head were black. The bird had evidently been feeding on the road, but flew up into the woods at the side as the car approached; being in a hurry we were unable to stop, but I have no doubt that the bird was a Rose-coloured Starling.'
303). 1946 Pembrokeshire Marloes Mere, seen, 16th October.
(Lockley, 1949).
History Lockley (1949: 41) says: 'One seen by me on 16th October, 1946, at Marloes.'
304). 1947 Nottinghamshire Wilford, adult, seen, 16th March.
(J. Staton, British Birds 42: 20; Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1946-49: 8).
History J. Staton (1948) in British Birds, Vol. XLII. p. 20, says: 'Rose-coloured Starling - An adult seen at close quarters with Starlings at Wilford, March 16th [1947] (R. O'Brien, R. Mann).'
305). 1947 Devon Loddiswell, adult, July; probably same, Kingsbridge, 11th August.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1947: 6; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King (1947) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XX. p. 6, says: 'Loddiswell. July, one visited bird-table in company with two Starlings Sturnus vulgaris. Head, wings, tail, thighs, fore-neck and side-neck black; rest of plumage whitish pink; legs pink, bill pink merging into black at base. (D.R.E.[Edgecombe]). Kingsbridge. August, 11th, one adult with two juvenile Starlings on roof top. (B.F.H. [Rev. Harvey], D.H. [Derek Harvey]). Probably same bird.'
Accepted locally (Moore 1969).
306). 1947 Northumberland Beal, immature, seen, 25th August.
(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 73: 118; Eds., British Birds 43: 64; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1948) in The Naturalist, Vol. LXXIII. p. 118, in the 'Northumberland Annual Report' for 1947, says: 'On August 25th on Beal Shore, an immature bird of this species was seen amongst a flock of Common Starlings. "Head light brown; breast and mantle, pale sandy-buff; closed wing almost black with spotted effect caused by light-edged feathers; bill, yellow, shorter and blunter than Starling's". (F.B.). This is the first local record for several years.'
In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 64, in a Review of the above, they say: 'Of rarities the chief records in 1947 are: a Rose-coloured Starling (immature bird on Beal shore, Northumberland, Aug. 25th).'
307). 1947 Lincolnshire Holton-le-Clay, near Grimsby, adult, 29th August.
(S. A. Cox, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 12: 67; Eds., British Birds 43: 195; Smith & Cornwallis, 1955; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History S. A. Cox (1948) in the Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union, Vol. XII. p. 67, says: 'A beautiful adult in company with a few scattered Starlings at Holton-le-Clay on August 29th. I had a brief though excellent view of the bird at close range before it disappeared into some private gardens and orchards. (B. A. Pye.).'
In an Editorial (1950) in British Birds, Vol. XLIII. p. 195, in a Review of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union Transactions, for 1947, they say: 'In 1947 at Holton-le-Clay on August 28th.'
308). 1948 Nottinghamshire Near Attenborough, adult, 25th January.
(J. Staton, Birds of Nottinghamshire Report 1946-49: 8).
History J. Staton (1946-49) in the Birds of Nottinghamshire Report, p. 8, says: 'One with Starlings near Attenborough, pink body very noticeable, January 25th (A.T.).'
309). 1948 Fair Isle No locality, adult male, obtained, 6th August.
(K. Williamson, Scottish Naturalist 61: 21, 131; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 134; Eds., British Birds 42: 368).
History Kenneth Williamson (1949) in the Scottish Naturalist, Vol. LXI. p. 21, under 'Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, 1948', says: 'The stomach contents of an example brought in by George Stout on 6th August were examined by Mr. R. Willis, North of Scotland College of Agriculture, and contained remains of weevils, earwigs and ground-beetles. A single tick was also removed from the body and found to be a first for Britain.'
Further, p. 131, Williamson adds that it was an '...adult male in worn breeding plumage, 6th August.'
K. Williamson (1954) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 134, says: 'Two new British records made at Fair Isle, of an Asiatic and an American species respectively, were a nymph of Hyalomma marginatum var. balcanicum Schulze & Scholtke from a Rose-coloured Pastor Sturnus roseus on August 6th 1948...'
310). 1949 Co. Durham Durham, seen, 20th February.
(Vasculum 35: 8; Temperley, 1951).
History Temperley (1951) says: 'Thereafter no records can be traced until February 20th, 1949, when a single bird, in winter plumage, was seen feeding with a number of Starlings in a garden in Durham City (Vasculum, Vol. XXXV. p. 8).'
311). 1949 Northumberland Apperley Dene, Stocksfield, adult male, seen, 26th June.
(G. W. Temperley, Naturalist 75: 111; Galloway & Meek, 1978-83).
History G. W. Temperley (1950) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXV. p. 111, in the 'Annual Northumbrian & Durham Report for 1949', says: 'On June 26th at 6.30 pm an adult cock was seen to fly across the garden at Apperley Dene, Stocksfield. It perched on some pea-sticks where it was examined at very close range in a good light. It left the garden on being mobbed by some House Sparrows and was not seen again (G. A. Cowen).'
1950-57 RECORDS
312). 1950 Fair Isle Observatory, immature, 22nd to 30th August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 9; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 44: 118, 223).
History K. Williamson (1951) in British Birds, Vol. XLIV. p. 118, says: 'A single immature bird was in the neighbourhood of the Bird Observatory from August 22nd-30th (nine days). During the first few days it was much in company with the local Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) flock, and rather wild; but towards the end of its stay it was often observed alone, and became very tame. There was a distinctly pinkish suffusion over the buff of mantle and rump; the underparts were greyish-white, and the bill yellow. The bird often stood with a dumpy stance, the head "sunk into the shoulders"; the legs were long in comparison with those of the Starling, and although the normal gait was a walk the bird changed to long springy hops if it wanted to move quickly towards a promising source of food. It more than held its own in competition with the Starlings, who never attempted to withstand its bullying.'
Further, p. 223, he adds: 'A single immature bird was in the neighbourhood of North Haven from August 22nd-30th.'
313). 1950 Shetland Pool of Virkie, Mainland, juvenile, 1st to 2nd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1950: 9; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11; Venables & Venables, 1955; Pennington et al., 2004).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 11, says: 'David Wilson has sent a note concerning a young Rosy Pastor observed near the Pool of Virkie, Dunrossness, on September 1-2nd, 1950. He had just returned to Spiggie from a stay at Fair Isle, where a young bird of this species had been in the vicinity of the Bird Observatory from August 22-30th. "The plumage differed only from the Fair Isle bird in that the primaries were slightly greyer and darker". The bird consorted with small flocks of S. vulgaris.'
Venables & Venables (1955) say: 'Of recent years we have seen single birds in Dunrossness during August and September.'
Pennington et al. (2004) say: 'Presumably this is the one referred to by Venables & Venables (1955) that they saw in September.'
314). 1950 Devon Exmouth, juvenile, 15th October.
(M. Brooks-King, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1950: 7; Moore, 1969).
History M. Brooks-King (1950) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXIII. p. 7, says: 'Exmouth, Oct. 15, juvenile on refuse dump with Starlings, very like Starling in first plumage but decidedly browner and with conspicuously yellow beak; head and back brown, underparts paler with faint striations on upper breast; wings much darker, with pale edges to feathers. Note in flight a short, loud, 'shrit', plainly heard above the softer chorus of its companions. Its movements were more brisk than Starlings (R.G.A.).'
315). 1951 Fair Isle Ward Hill, adult, 2nd July.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (3): 23; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229; Williamson, 1965).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (III). p. 33, says: 'An adult bird was flying and feeding with a flock of adult and juvenile Starlings S. vulgaris on Ward Hill on July 2nd.'
K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'An adult on July 2nd and an immature on September 3rd, both consorting with Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).'
Williamson (1965) says: 'One evening at the beginning of July when mist lay like a thick grey blanket over the hill...At this time the young Starlings were forming noisy, quarrelsome flocks on the hill, wandering in search of insects and crowberries, and it was with some surprise that I saw in their midst the shell-pink plumage and rakishly-crested head of an adult Rose-coloured Starling, a wanderer from the Near East.'
P. E. Davis (Williamson 1965) under 'A List of the Birds of Fair Isle', says: 'One present 2nd July 1951.'
316). 1951 Fair Isle Crofting area, juvenile, 3rd September.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 1 (4): 11; K. Williamson, British Birds 45: 229; Williamson, 1965).
History K. Williamson (1951) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. I (IV). p. 11, says: 'An immature bird, - very sandy buff in the field, but with a distinctive pinkish tinge on the rump, - was in company with a small party of S. vulgaris in the crofting area on September 3rd.'
K. Williamson (1952) in British Birds, Vol. XLV. p. 229, says: 'An adult on July 2nd and an immature on September 3rd, both consorting with Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).'
317). 1952 Gloucestershire Cleeve Hill, adult, 30th March.
(Anon., Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report 1951-52: 19; Swaine, 1982).
History Anon. (1952) in the Cheltenham and District Naturalists' Society Report, p. 19, says: 'Excellent views were had of this species on Cleeve Hill on March 30th, 1952. At close quarters the pinkish brown mantle, breast and flanks were seen. Head, wings and tail black with pale edgings to wings (L. W. Hayward).'
Swaine (1982) says: 'An adult bird on 30th March 1952 at Cleeve Hill.'
318). 1952 Leicestershire & Rutland Blaby, adult, 19th October.
(R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin, Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report 1952: 22; Eds., British Birds 47: 210; Hickling, 1978).
History R. A. O. Hickling & R. E. Pochin (1952) in the Birds of Leicestershire and Rutland Report, p. 22, say: 'An adult seen in a garden at Blaby on October 19th. Full report submitted, stressing especially contrast of black head and wings with pink body, and the crest (J.H.).'
Accepted locally (Hickling 1978).
319). 1952 Hertfordshire Much Hadham, 25th October.
(Transactions of the Bishop's Stortford Natural History Society 1: 19; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History Sage (1959) says: 'On 25th October 1952 A. Darlington saw one at Much Hadham (Trans. of the Bishop's Stortford Nat. Hist. Soc. 1: 19).'
320). 1953 Kent Tunbridge Wells, 11th January.
(E. H. Gillham, Kent Bird Report 1953: 33; Taylor, Davenport & Flegg, 1981).
History E. H. Gillham (1953) in the Kent Bird Report, Vol. II. p. 33, says: 'One was seen with Starlings in a greengage tree on Jan. 11 at Tunbridge Wells (M.E.). Sketch and full details submitted extracts of which are: seen at six yards range; resembled Starling in size and shape but had a remarkably wide band of pink round the body; legs dull flesh colour; bill yellowish flesh-not bright.'
321). 1953 Essex Great Chesterford, adult, killed on road, 4th September.
(G. A. Pyman, Essex Bird Report 1953: 35; Hudson & Pyman, 1968; Cox, 1984).
History G. A. Pyman (1953) in the Essex Bird Report, p. 35, says: 'An adult of this species was found dead on the Saffron Walden-Cambridge road, about 2 miles S. of Gt. Chesterford, by a boy named John Leaver and brought to A.D. for identification on September 4th. The corpse was in very poor condition, having been rolled flat by traffic, and only the head, both wings, some feathers of neck and breast and a leg remained. Size as Starling; head purplish-black with deep crest; wings purplish-black; feathers of breast pink, their tips with narrow brown edges; bill rather more slender than in Starling, both mandibles slightly decurved; leg rich brown....'
Accepted locally (Hudson & Pyman 1968; Cox 1984).
322). 1953 Caernarfonshire Bardsey, first-year, 6th September.
(R. M. Lockley, Bardsey Observatory Report 1953: 16; K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 2: 66; P. Davis, British Birds 47: 421; Jones & Dare, 1976; Roberts, 1985).
History R. M. Lockley (1953) in the Bardsey Observatory Report, p. 16, says: 'One on 6 September - a first-year bird.' K. Williamson (1953) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. II. p. 66, says: 'One trap was in operation at this new Bird Observatory in autumn, but caught nothing half so exciting as the Rose-coloured Starling which was seen perching on the framework when the trap was still only half-built.'
P. E. Davis (1954) in British Birds, Vol. XLVII. p. 421, says: '...The rarer birds included a Woodchat at Lundy and a Spoonbill at Bardsey on the 5th, three Ortolan Buntings at Lundy and a Rose-coloured Starling at Bardsey on the next day, and a Red-backed Shrike at Lundy on the 7th...'
323). 1954 Perth & Kinross Tayport, Perthshire, 31st March.
(F. D. Hamilton & K. S. Macgregor, Edinburgh Bird Bulletin 4: 50; J. Grierson, Scottish Birds 2: 157; Smout, 1986).
History F. D. Hamilton & K. S. Macgregor (1954) in the Edinburgh Bird Bulletin, Vol. IV. p. 50, say: 'Rose-coloured Starling, Tayport, 31st March...The Rose-coloured Starling was feeding with a small flock of Starlings. It was of a size with its companions and its black "hood", wings and tail made a startling contrast with the light body, which was a very light brownish colour rather than pink. This, and the presence of a fair amount of yellow on the bill, suggests that it was a first-winter bird. It could not be found the following day, nor on 3rd April.'
324). 1954 Sussex Pagham Harbour, 13th May.
(G. des Forges & D. D. Harber, Sussex Bird Report 1954: 23; E. M. Nicholson, British Birds 48: 367; Shrubb, 1979).
History G. des Forges & D. D. Harber (1954) in the Sussex Bird Report, p. 23, say: 'On May 13th R.G.M. had a view of one in flight on the N side of Pagham Harbour. "Bright pink back and rump, dark wings and tail and head...the black of the head covered the upper quarter of the back between the shoulders".'
325). 1954 Hampshire Rockbourne, adult, 27th June.
(Bournemouth Natural Science Society 1954; E. Cohen, Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society 1955: 211; Clark & Eyre, 1993).
History E. Cohen (1955) Papers and Proceedings of the Hampshire Field Club and Archaeological Society, p. 211, under 'Additions to the 1954 Report', says: 'One at Rockbourne, near Fordingbridge, June 27th, 1954, was published in the 1954 report of the Bournemouth Natural Science Society (K. J. J. Monk). The observer had a very close view of it from the road.'
326). 1954 Yorkshire Northallerton, 1st October.
(R. Chislett, Naturalist 80: 91; I. C. T. Nisbet, British Birds 49: 406; Mather, 1986).
History R. Chislett (1955) in the new series of The Naturalist, Vol. LXXX. p. 91, says: 'Descriptions of a bird with Common Starlings in a Northallerton garden on October 1st supplied to J.P.U.; gave him confidence that this was the species.'
Comment Second-hand report.
327). 1955 Fair Isle North Lighthouse, 26th to at least 28th August.
(K. Williamson, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 3: 58; R. K. Cornwallis, British Birds 50: 110).
History K. Williamson (1955) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin, Vol. III. p. 58, says: '...was a drift-migrant from Denmark in this anticyclonic airflow, and the same holds for a Rosy Pastor Sturnus roseus seen in the early morning near the North Lighthouse, and on later days in the village area.'
328). 1955 Highland Uig, Skye, Skye & Lochalsh, a week in October.
(S. Gordon, Glasgow Bird Bulletin 7: 13).
History Seton Gordon (1958) in the Glasgow Bird Bulletin, Vol. VII. p. 13, says: 'A Rose-coloured Starling was seen here at Uig, Skye, for a week during October 1955.'
329). 1955 Suffolk Leiston, 23rd November.
(F. K. Cobb, Suffolk Bird Report 1955: 23; Payn, 1978; Piotrowski, 2003).
History F. K. Cobb (1955) in the Suffolk Bird Report, p. 23, says: 'One at Leiston Nov. 23rd (D.D.N.) - full details were submitted. What seems probably the same bird was seen by a resident of Leiston for a number of days afterwards, feeding with Starlings near where first seen.'
Piotrowski (2003) states the year as 1956 without a correction!
330). 1955 Lincolnshire Skegness, immature, trapped, 11th December to 8th April 1956.
(R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1955: 19; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report 1956: 25; R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith, Transactions of the Lincolnshire Naturalists' Union 14: 149; Cornwallis, 1970; Lorand & Atkin, 1989).
History R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1955) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 19, say: 'Skegness, first-year bird, 11/12, (K.T.G.), remaining at least until April 1956 (fourth Lincolnshire record). Seen by several observers.'
R. K. Cornwallis & A. E. Smith (1956) in the Gibraltar Point Bird Observatory and Field Research Station Report, p. 25, add: 'The bird at Skegness reported in 1955 (first seen 11/12) remained until 8/4. It was trapped and ringed (H.F.).'
Accepted locally (Cornwallis 1970; Lorand & Atkin 1989).
331). 1956 Borders Birgham, Berwickshire, 16th to 20th March.
(Murray, 1986).
History Murray (1986) states that a single bird occurred at Birgham between 16th and 20th March 1956.
332). 1956 Hertfordshire Weston Park, immature female, 21st December.
(Jenkins, 1958; Sage, 1959; Gladwin & Sage, 1986).
History Jenkins (1958) says: 'An immature female was watched feeding on the ground with a small party of Starlings on 21st December, 1956, at Weston Park near Hitchin. About a week later, the same bird, presumably, was seen in flight with a large flock of Starlings. In size, shape, movement and habits it closely resembled a Starling and in general appearance was sandy coloured except for the crown which appeared darker than the rest of the plumage. It was probably in its first winter (J.M.P.).'
333). 1957 Somerset Porlock Marsh, 14th May.
(S. G. Madge, Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report 1957: 57; Palmer & Ballance, 1968; Somerset Ornithological Society, 1988; Ballance, 2006).
History S. G. Madge (1957) in the Devon Bird-Watching and Preservation Society Report, Vol. XXX. p. 57, says: 'Porlock Marsh, 14 May, one seen in flight, at rest, and feeding on the ground in the afternoon; black head and neck, short black bib and black wings; pale pink breast and belly, apricot pink back and rump; pinkish yellow beak, blue gloss occasionally visible on black tail; the crest caused the head to look thick and angular; about forty Starlings were also present (E.M.D.A., D.S.E.).'
Accepted locally in a listing (Palmer & Ballance 1968: 173).
334). 1957 Fair Isle No locality, adult, 4th August.
(P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report 1957: 16; P. E. Davis, Fair Isle Bird Observatory Bulletin 4: 18).
History P. E. Davis (1957) in the Fair Isle Bird Observatory Report, p. 16, says: 'G. Stout of Field reported an adult Rosy Starling on August 4th.'
