Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Genus · European and Spotless Starlings Family · Starlings
Observation tips Difficulty: EASY
Best time
🕒 Any
Activity
☀️ Diurnal
Best months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Observation habitat
LawnsReed bedsRoofsUtility wires

Look for the triangular wing shape in flight. At sunset in winter, watch for huge flocks performing spectacular synchronized aerial displays over reedbeds.

Common Starling

♂ Male · ♀ Female

Stats
Wingspan31–44 cm
Weight55–100 g
Length19–23 cm
Lifespan wild2–15 yrs
Size
XS
S
M
L
XL
Nesting
Nest typeCavity
Clutch size4–7 eggs
Incubation11–15 days
Breeding months
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Regional Status (Europe)
LC
Least Concern (Europe)
IUCN Red List
MigrationPartial migratory
Social BehaviourFlocking

Diet: Omnivore

🫐Berries
🥩Fat
🍎Fruits
🦗Insects
🪱Worms

Habitat

🚜 Farmland🏡 Garden⛰️ Mountains🍎 Orchard🏙️ Urban
✦ Fun Fact

In spring, the base of a Starling’s bill becomes brighter in both sexes, but males tend to develop more vivid blue tones while females often show pinkish hues.

About

One of the most social and intelligent European birds. From a distance, it looks black. Up close, its plumage shows iridescent green and purple with white spots in winter. They are famous for flying in enormous flocks that dance in the sky in perfect synchronization.

Behaviour

Starlings are master mimics. They can imitate other birds, car alarms, and human whistling. They are ground-feeders and probe the soil for grubs. They are highly social and nest in loose colonies in building holes or trees.

Sexual Dimorphism

♂ Male

In the breeding season, he has a blue base to his yellow bill. He has less spotting on his iridescent breast and glossier feathers.

♀ Female

Has a pink base to her yellow bill. She retains more white spots on her underparts during the summer.

Similar species

Common Blackbird
🐦
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
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