(Sturnus vulgaris)
Description
Common starlings (also known as European starlings) are around the size of blackbirds and thrushes. Adult Starlings have black feathers with green, blue, and purple iridescence in their summer plumage. During the winter, their plumage is a dark brown colour with white spots. The juvenile birds have a lighter grey-brown appearance.
Starlings have a short tail and pointed wings. Their bill is narrow and pointed.
Their birdsong can be varied and they are good at mimicking sounds. This may consist of chattering, warbling, trills, and whistling sounds. The birds can mimic the calls of jays, hawks, and meadowlarks.
Starlings most commonly live near human settlements as they often go to fields, lawns, and sometimes birdfeeders to find food. Some of the starlings that can be seen in the UK in the winter are migratory birds that have arrived here from mainland Europe.
Starlings are on the UK’s Red List as there has been a decline in breeding starlings in the United Kingdom, but are of least concern on the IUCN Red List of threatened species.
Interactions
Starlings feed on invertebrates found in the soil.
They spend most of the year in flocks, and can create beautiful murmurations as they fly around in their flock.
