From Opus

Common Starling
Photo by Ragna

Genus: Sturnus

[edit] Description

A genus of Starlings from Europe, Northern Africa and Asia.
All have terrestrial habitats and usually walk on the ground instead of hopping.
The plumage is rather variable, the triangular wing shape in flight however is presented in all species.

[edit] Taxonomy

Sturnus is a genus in the family Sturnidae.
The taxonomy of this genus is not yet solved. Some authorities only keep Common Starling and Spotless Starling in this genus.
The other species are placed in different genera: Poliopsar, Agropsar, Gracupica, Sturnia, Temenuchus, Sturnornis and Pastor.
Black-winged Starling and Vinous-breasted Starling, normally placed in Acridotheres are sometimes included in this genera.

[edit] References

1. Del Hoyo, J, A Elliott, and D Christie, eds. 2009. Handbook of the Birds of the World. Volume 14: Bush-shrikes to Old World Sparrows. Barcelona: Lynx Edicions. ISBN 978-8496553507

• List of references