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| − | ;Sturnus vulgaris | + | '''Alternative name: European Starling''' |
| + | ;[[:Category:Sturnus|Sturnus]] vulgaris | ||
[[Image:Common_Starling.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Ragna]] | [[Image:Common_Starling.jpg|thumb|550px|right|Photo by Ragna]] | ||
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==Identification== | ==Identification== | ||
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==External Links== | ==External Links== | ||
{{GSearch|Sturnus+vulgaris}} | {{GSearch|Sturnus+vulgaris}} | ||
| − | [[Category:Birds]] | + | [[Category:Birds]][[Category:Sturnus]] |
Revision as of 15:38, 30 July 2008
Alternative name: European Starling
- Sturnus vulgaris
Identification
L. 20-22cm Wide variation in plumage. Both sexes are similar, although the female is less glossy than the male
Non-breeding
- Glossed black with a purple and green shine
- Tips of the body feathers have large white spots
- Dark bill
- Brown legs
With wear, the white spots are lost, while the bill and legs turn yellow.
Breeding
- Adults glossy-black without any spots
- Young birds are dull grey-brown
Distribution
This starling is native to most of Eurasia, but has been introduced to South Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Taxonomy
Polytypic. Consists of twelve subspecies.
Habitat
Varied. Can be found in any reasonably open environment from farmland to salt marsh.
Behaviour
Starlings walk rather than hop. Their flight is quite strong and direct; they look triangular-winged and short-tailed in flight.
Voice
<flashmp3>Sturnus vulgaris (song).mp3</flashmp3>
Listen in an external program
