european starling
1. Bird Name
The English name of the bird is the European starling. Its scientific (Latin) name is Sturnus vulgaris.
2. Appearance
The European starling is a mid-sized bird with a sturdy body, and it showcases remarkable changes in its plumage throughout the year. During the autumn and winter, the bird has a glossy black coat speckled with white, creating a “starry” appearance that lends to its name. The tips of the feathers wear off by the time summer comes, leading to an iridescent sheen with purples and greens predominating. The classic sharply triangular, yellow bill turns dark in the winter. There’s not much to differentiate males from females, for both sexes pretty much share the same features. However, during the breeding season, males have longer throat feathers that create a longer and looser ‘gorget,’ compared to the tighter, more triangular gorget of females.
3. Size
Typically, European starlings measure about 19-23 cm (7.5-9 inches) in length. Their wingspan ranges between 31 to 44 cm (12-17 inches), and they weigh approximately 60 to 96 grams.
4. Habitat & Distribution
Originally native to Eurasia, European Starlings have successfully expanded their range to include Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, North America, and several island groups. They are highly versatile and can be found in a wide range of habitats such as city parks, gardens, farmlands, and forests.
5. Interesting Facts
European Starlings are famous for their breathtaking murmurations – sky-filling flocks in synchronized flight, which is a strategy thought to confuse predators. They are also highly adept mimics and can imitate the calls of up to 20 different species of birds and even reproduce the sounds of frogs and mechanical objects.
6. Diet
Their diverse diet includes insects, earthworms, berries, fruits, seeds, and even occasional small vertebrates. They are foragers and usually feed in open, grassy areas.
7. Behavior & Sounds
European Starlings are gregarious birds, often seen in large flocks. Their song consists of a combination of melodic notes, clicks, whistles, and the imitated noises of their surroundings. The males are known to use their song to defend their territory, especially during the breeding season.
8. Conservation Status
European Starlings are not endangered. They are listed as a species of ‘Least Concern’ according to the IUCN Red List, primarily due to their wide distribution and abundant population.
9. Lifespan
In the wild, European Starlings can live up to an average of 15 years, while in captivity, they have been known to live over two decades.
10. Additional Notes
The European Starling is also referred to as the Common Starling. Due to their large number and adaptability, they often get the reputation of being pests as they can damage crops and compete with native species for nesting sites. In their ecosystems, however, they play a crucial role in controlling insect populations and acting as a food source for predatory birds.
In the UK, the starling is associated with several traditional nursery rhymes and is also the subject of many works of literature. William Shakespeare’s play, Henry IV, Part I, even features a famously comedic scene revolving around a ‘talking’ starling.
