Starling
Starling is the common name for birds in the family Sturnidae, a group of small to medium-sized passerines.
Starling is the common name for birds in the family Sturnidae, a group of small to medium-sized passerines. The best-known species is the common or European starling, noted for iridescent plumage, flocking behaviour, and mimicry.
What it is
Starlings belong to the family Sturnidae within the order Passeriformes. The common starling (*Sturnus vulgaris*) is stocky, with a short tail, pointed head, triangular wings, and seasonal changes in plumage. They are highly social and often gather in large flocks and winter roosts.
Why it matters
In the UK, the breeding population has declined sharply and is now on the UK Red List as a bird of high conservation concern. In North America, European starlings were introduced in the nineteenth century and are now widespread, often competing with native birds. For Canadian readers, they are a familiar introduced species in urban, suburban, and agricultural settings.
Key details
Starlings are known for vocal mimicry, including imitation of other birds and artificial sounds. They feed on insects, worms, spiders, fruit, berries, and scraps. Their spectacular synchronized flight patterns are called murmurations.
In short
- Starlings are passerine birds in the family Sturnidae.
- The common starling is best known for iridescent plumage and flocking.
- UK populations are declining; North American populations are introduced and invasive.
- They are known for vocal mimicry and murmurations.
European starlings are established across much of Canada and are familiar in urban, suburban, and agricultural settings. For Canadian readers, they are notable as an introduced species that can compete with native birds and gather in large flocks.
Quick questions
What is a starling?
What is the scientific name of the common starling?
Are starlings native to North America?
Sources
- Royal Society for the Protection of Birds — https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/starlingSupports: Identification, behaviour, plumage, UK decline, and Red List status.
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology — https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overviewSupports: Scientific name, taxonomy, appearance, distribution, and introduction to North America.
- British Trust for Ornithology — https://www.bto.org/learn/about-birds/birdfacts/starlingSupports: Behaviour, mimicry, diet, murmurations, nesting, and UK population decline.
- SongBird Survival — https://www.songbird-survival.org.uk/songbirds/starlingSupports: Habitat use, flocking behaviour, and vocalisations.
- National Geographic — https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/european-starlingSupports: North American status, introduction history, and broad abundance.