European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris · Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas
The European Starling is a highly adaptable and widespread species, recognized by its iridescent plumage and distinctive foraging behavior. Introduced to new continents, it has successfully established populations globally, often thriving in human-modified landscapes. These social birds are known for forming large, often noisy, flocks, especially outside of the breeding season.
Explore the full field guideresident, migratorymedium-sizedvaried, mimicomnivorous
40 calls·first heard Jul 1·last 1d ago
When it's heardpeak 5a · fall
5a12p9p
How to know it
- Glossy black with iridescent green and purple sheens; bill bright yellow with a blue base in males and pink in females.
- Dull blackish plumage heavily speckled with white spots; bill is dark, transitioning to yellow as breeding season approaches.
- Uniform dusty gray-brown overall with a dark bill, often seen in flocks during summer.
- Short, square tail and triangular, pointed wings give a star-like shape in flight.