Starling plumage info needed (1 Viewer)

I have just had the pleasure of joining this forum, and look forward to learning all I can. My name is T. M. Fairview and I reside in Eastern Pennsylvania.

At present, I am writing a a story, and need information on Starlings, namely their markings, and what sets the male and female apart.

I thank you in advance for any help,

T. M.

Welcome to the forum. For the starling info, check out "sexual dimorphism" on this link: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sturnus_vulgaris.html

Alastair Rae said:

Welcome to the forum. For the starling info, check out "sexual dimorphism" on this link: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Sturnus_vulgaris.html

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Thank you, Alastair. The information was very helpful, T. M.

A bit late but... for humans the two sexes of the Common Starling look alike. However, it was recently discovered that a clear dichormatism exists, but only in the UV spectrum (which isn't visible to humans). Indeed, out of a sample of 139 species checked in a recent paper by Muir D. Eaton, it was shown that more than 90% actually had clear sexual differences in UV-reflecting plumages. All these species had sexes that normally were considered identical, but apparently, they are not. Anyway, I guess you wanted a way of separate the two without various aids and in that case Alastair's answer is correct.

Very interesting,thanks for the link Alastair.