European Starling

About

The European Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird native to Eurasia, widely introduced elsewhere. Known for its iridescent plumage, distinctive calls, and often large, synchronized flocks (murmurations), it is a highly adaptable and opportunistic species.

Size & lifespan

Length

19-23 cm (7.5-9.1 in)

Wingspan

31-44 cm (12-17 in)

Weight

60-90 g (2.1-3.2 oz)

Lifespan

2-3 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivity

Diet

Omnivore, primarily insects and other invertebrates, fruits, seeds, and human scraps.

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adult breeding plumage is glossy black with iridescent purple and green sheens, often appearing speckled with small white spots, especially on the flanks and undertail coverts. Non-breeding plumage is heavily spotted with white or buff on the head, back, and underparts, with less iridescence. The iridescence is due to structural coloration.

Beak shape

Conical and pointed. In breeding season, the bill is bright yellow with a bluish base in males and a pinkish base in females. In non-breeding season, the bill is dark brown to blackish.

Eye color

Dark brown.

Leg color

Reddish-brown to pinkish-brown.

Distinguishing features

Short tail, triangular wings in flight, direct and powerful flight, and a distinctive waddling gait on the ground. The iridescent plumage and speckled appearance (especially in winter) are key. The yellow bill in breeding season is also a strong identifier.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles are dull, uniform grey-brown overall, lacking iridescence and speckling. Their bill is dark brown to black. They gradually molt into adult non-breeding plumage during their first autumn.

Seasonal changes

Breeding plumage (spring/summer) is glossy black with strong iridescence and minimal spotting. Non-breeding plumage (autumn/winter) is heavily spotted with white or buff, and the bill is dark. The white spots are due to pale tips on new feathers, which wear off by spring, revealing the underlying iridescent black.

Sexual dimorphism

Subtle. Males tend to have a bluer base to the bill during breeding season, while females have a pinker base. Males may also have slightly longer, less dense speckling in non-breeding plumage. Otherwise, sexes are very similar in size and plumage.

How to identify

1. 1

   Size and Shape

   Medium-sized, chunky bird with a short tail, pointed wings, and a somewhat elongated head. Appears stocky.

2. 2

   Plumage (Adult Breeding)

   Look for glossy black plumage with iridescent purple and green sheens. Minimal or no white spotting. Yellow bill with a dark tip.

3. 3

   Plumage (Adult Non-breeding)

   Look for heavy white or buff speckling over the entire body, especially noticeable on the head and back. Bill is dark brown to black.

4. 4

   Plumage (Juvenile)

   Uniform dull grey-brown plumage, lacking iridescence and speckling. Dark bill. Often seen in flocks with adults.

5. 5

   Bill Color

   Bright yellow bill in breeding adults (spring/summer), dark bill in non-breeding adults (autumn/winter) and juveniles.

6. 6

   Flight

   Direct, fast flight with rapid wingbeats. Often flies in dense, synchronized flocks (murmurations) at dawn and dusk.

7. 7

   Vocalizations

   Listen for a complex, varied song including whistles, clicks, rattles, and mimicry. Harsh 'churrr' and 'tcheer' calls are common.

8. 8

   Behavior

   Often seen foraging on lawns and open ground, probing with their bill. Highly social, forming large flocks, especially outside the breeding season.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Temperate forests, grasslands, urban and suburban areas, agricultural lands, coastal areas.

Geographic range

Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Introduced and established in North America, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and parts of South America.

Elevation range

Sea level up to 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), primarily in lowlands and disturbed areas.

Preferred environments

Highly adaptable, preferring open country with scattered trees, parks, gardens, cultivated land, pastures, and urban environments. Requires cavities for nesting, often utilizing tree holes, nest boxes, or crevices in buildings.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal.

Feeding habits

Forages primarily on the ground, probing with its bill for invertebrates. Diet includes beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, spiders, earthworms, snails, as well as fruits (cherries, berries, grapes), seeds, and grains. In urban areas, they readily consume human food scraps.

Social behavior

Highly social, especially outside the breeding season. Forms large, often massive, flocks (murmurations) for roosting and foraging. During breeding, they are typically monogamous, but polygyny can occur. They are aggressive competitors for nest sites.

Flight pattern

Strong, direct, and fast flight with rapid wingbeats. In large flocks, they perform spectacular aerial displays known as murmurations, characterized by highly synchronized, fluid movements.

Migration pattern

Northern and eastern European populations are migratory, moving south and west for winter. Western and southern European populations are largely resident. Introduced populations in North America are partially migratory, with northern birds moving south, while southern birds are resident.

Territoriality

Males establish small territories around nest sites during the breeding season, defending them from rivals. Flocks are not territorial outside of breeding.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically April to July in the Northern Hemisphere.

Nesting habits

Cavity nesters, utilizing natural tree holes, old woodpecker holes, nest boxes, and crevices in buildings. Both sexes build the nest, which is a messy cup of grass, leaves, twigs, and feathers, often lined with softer materials. They are aggressive competitors for nest sites, often evicting native cavity nesters.

Clutch size

4-6 eggs, typically 1-2 broods per year.

Egg description

4-6 eggs, pale blue or greenish-blue, unspotted, glossy. Approximately 30 x 21 mm.

Incubation period

11-13 days, primarily by the female, but both parents participate.

Fledging period

20-22 days after hatching. Young are fed by both parents.

Parental care

Both parents feed and care for the nestlings. After fledging, the young remain dependent on parents for a short period before joining juvenile flocks.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Look for Flocks. Starlings are highly social. Look for large flocks foraging on lawns or gathering at roost sites, especially in late afternoon/early evening.
2. Listen for Vocalizations. Their varied and often mimetic songs are distinctive. Listen for their chattering and whistling from prominent perches or in flocks.
3. Observe Foraging Behavior. Watch for them probing the ground with their bills in open grassy areas. Their waddling gait is characteristic.
4. Check Roost Sites. In winter, large numbers of starlings gather at communal roosts in trees, reeds, or on buildings. These can be spectacular to observe.
5. Note Seasonal Changes. Pay attention to bill color (yellow in spring/summer, dark in autumn/winter) and plumage speckling (minimal in spring/summer, heavy in autumn/winter) for accurate identification.

Similar species

Quick facts

Introduced Species:

Widely introduced outside its native range, notably in North America, where it is considered invasive.

Murmurations:

Famous for forming large, synchronized flocks called murmurations, especially at dusk before roosting.

Mimicry:

Known for its ability to mimic the calls and songs of other birds, and even human speech or mechanical sounds.

Cavity Nester:

Relies on tree cavities or artificial structures for nesting, often outcompeting native species.

Dietary Flexibility:

Highly adaptable omnivore, contributing to its success in diverse environments.

Fun facts

• All European Starlings in North America are believed to be descendants of 100 birds released in New York City's Central Park in 1890 and 1891 by an admirer of Shakespeare, who wanted to introduce all birds mentioned in his plays to the continent.
• A single murmuration can consist of tens of thousands to over a million individual birds, creating breathtaking aerial ballets.
• Starlings have a unique bill-probing technique called 'gaping,' where they insert their closed bill into the ground or a crevice and then force it open to expose hidden food.
• Despite their commonness, the intricate iridescence of a starling's plumage is often overlooked until seen up close in good light.
• They are highly intelligent birds, capable of solving complex problems and learning new behaviors.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Passeriformes

Family

Sturnidae

Genus

Sturnus

Species

Sturnus vulgaris

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