Common Starling
Least ConcernSturnus vulgaris
Visual Identification
Common Starling
Appearance
The Common Starling is a small, stocky bird with a short tail and pointed wings. Its plumage is glossy black with an iridescent sheen, displaying hues of green and purple in bright light. The bill is yellow in the breeding season and darker in winter.
Females are mostly similar to males, although they tend to be. They also develop the bright yellow bill during the breeding season, although the bill base tends to be pinkish in females. Females also tend to be a little less glossy than males and have shorter feathers on the throat.
During winter, the bird's feathers are covered in white spots, giving it a speckled appearance. Juveniles are uniformly dull brown before moulting into adult plumage.
Size
Length
19cm to 22cm
Wingspan
31cm to 44cm
Weight
60g to 100g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Black Iridescent
Secondary Colour
Green Purple
Beak Colour
Yellow
Leg Colour
Pink
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Common Starlings are highly adaptable and thrive in a wide range of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, and open woodlands. They are native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa but have been introduced to many parts of the world.
In North America, Australia, and New Zealand, starlings are considered an invasive species. They are abundant year-round residents in the UK, widespread across the US, and common in urban areas of Canada and Australia.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Diet
Common Starlings are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet includes insects, worms, snails, and a variety of fruits and berries.
They often forage on the ground, using their strong bills to probe the soil for invertebrates. In urban areas, they readily take advantage of human food scraps.
Behaviour
Common Starlings are highly social birds, often seen in large, noisy flocks. They perform spectacular aerial displays called murmurations, where thousands of birds swoop and wheel in synchronised patterns.
These birds are also known for their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech and mechanical noises.
Vocalisation
Common Starlings are known for their diverse and complex vocalisations. Their natural song is a series of whistles, warbles, and rattles. They are excellent mimics, capable of imitating other bird calls, frog croaks, and even human speech or mechanical sounds.
The typical call is a harsh, descending whistle that sounds like 'tseer'. Starlings often call to signal aggression, maintain contact with other starlings, and alert other birds to sources of danger.
Nesting & Breeding
Breeding season for Starlings typically begins in spring. Males attract females by singing and displaying at potential nest sites, often returning to the same location each year.
Nests are built in cavities, including tree holes, buildings, and nest boxes. The nest is a loose collection of grass, leaves, and other plant material. Females lay 4-6 pale blue eggs. Some eggs may appear more greenish or whitish than blue, however.
Incubation lasts about 12 days, and both parents share duties. Nestlings fledge after 21-23 days but continue to be fed by their parents for 1-2 weeks after leaving the nest.
Lifespan
The Common Starling typically lives for 2 to 5 years, with a maximum recorded lifespan of 22.9 years.
Like all birds, lifespan can be affected by factors including predation, habitat quality, disease, and access to food sources.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Common Starling is listed as Least Concern globally, populations have declined in parts of Europe and North America.
In the UK, it is on the Red List of conservation concern due to breeding population declines. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining suitable habitats and nesting sites.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for starlings in open areas like parks, fields, and urban settings
- Listen for their varied vocalisations, including mimicry of other birds and sounds
- Observe large flocks performing murmurations at dusk, especially in autumn and winter
- In the UK and US, starlings are common year-round, making them easy to spot in urban and suburban areas
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
European Starling, Starling
Family:
SturnidaePredators
Common Starlings face predation from various birds of prey, including hawks, falcons, and owls. In urban areas, domestic cats are also significant predators, especially of fledglings and juveniles.
Did You Know?
- Starlings can open their bills while they're closed in something solid, using a special adaptation in their skull.
- A group of starlings is called a 'murmuration', which can contain up to 100,000 birds.
- Starlings were introduced to North America in 1890 by a group that wanted to bring all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's works to the New World.
- Winter roosts of starlings can hold up to several million birds.
Was this bird profile helpful?
Your feedback helps us improve our content
Community Experience
Community Ratings
No ratings yet - be the first to rate this bird!
Latest Community Reviews
No reviews yet
Sign in to be the first to review
FAQs
Why starlings are a problem
Starlings are considered a pest in the United States agricultural sector because they cause millions of dollars in damage to fruit crops and consume large amounts of animal feed.
They are also a nuisance in urban and suburban areas because of the mess they leave around roost sites and their habit of nesting in buildings. Starlings frequently outcompete native species for nest sites and food resources.
Similar Birds
References
- 2 4
website: BirdLife International. 2019. Sturnus vulgaris. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2019: e.T22710886A137493608.
View source - 3
website, 2022: Partners in Flight
View source - 1
website, 2010: Fransson et al., EURING list of longevity records for European birds
View source