Sturnus vulgaris
winter
Although introduced little more than a century ago, the European Starling is now an abundant bird in North America. The sexes are subtly dissimilar in summer. Summer adult males have dark plumage that shows a green and purple iridescence. There is a blue base to the lower mandible of the otherwise yellow bill. Summer adult females are similar but have some pale spots on the underparts. In winter, all adults have dark plumage adorned with numerous white spots, and the bill is dark. Juveniles are gray-buff, palest on the throat, and have a dark bill; by winter, the body plumage has become dark with white spots, but the head and neck remain buff. The legs are reddish in all birds.
The European Starling is present year-round across much of North America, although northern populations move south in winter. It forms huge flocks in winter, which range widely in search of food.
juvenile
winter
summer male
FACT FILE
LENGTH 9 in (23 cm)
FOOD Opportunistic omnivore
HABITAT Wide range of habitats, from farmland to towns and cities
STATUS Widespread and abundant resident, and partial migrant
VOICE Song includes various chatters, clicks, and whistles, plus mimicry of other birds and manmade sounds. Calls include chatters and drawn-out whistles
