- Sturnus vulgaris
Starling Name
Called European Starling in North America.
Identification
The Common Starling has a wide variation in plumage. Both sexes are similar, although the female is less glossy than the male. In autumn, when the plumage is new, birds are glossed black, with a purple and green shine, and the tips of the body feathers have large white spots. At this time the bill is dark and the legs are brown. With wear, the white spots are lost, while the bill and legs turn yellow. By the breeding season (August to January) adults have become glossy-black without any spots. Young birds are dull grey-brown. Common Starlings are 20 to 22cm in length.
Distribution
This starling is native to most of Eurasia, but has been introduced to South Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
Taxonomy
The European Starling or Common Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, is a passerine bird in the family Sturnidae.
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
