The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a small to medium-sized passerine bird that is native to Europe, western Asia and north Africa. Introduced populations also exist in South Africa, Australia and North America. The European starling is glossy black with an iridescent sheen showing purple, green and blue tones. Adult males have yellow bill bases during the breeding season. Their flight is direct and swift, with the regular beats and an occasional sharp flick of the wings which are characteristic of their family, the starlings (Sturnidae).
Where are European starlings found?
The European starling has an extremely large range and a population estimated between 75 million to 1 billion individuals. Originally native to Europe, western Russia and north Africa, it has been introduced to and become established in South Africa, North America, Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. In North America it has spread rapidly across the continent since its successful introduction in New York in 1890, and is now found from Alaska and Greenland in the north to Florida in the south.
What do European starlings look like?
European starlings are stocky, medium-sized birds measuring around 20–23 cm in length with a wingspan of about 37–40 cm. Their shape is typical of many mynas and starlings – robust, blunt-ended and broad winged. Their plumage is mainly black with an iridescent sheen showing purple, blue and green tones. The tips of the feathers are lighter, producing a dappled effect on the bird’s back. Adult males have a yellow bill during the breeding season which darkens as the season progresses. Juveniles are grey-brown, speckled with white until their first autumn when their adult plumage grows in.
Distinctive features
Several features make the European starling easy to identify:
- Stocky, short-tailed shape typical of starlings
- Mostly black plumage with an iridescent sheen
- Adults have yellow bill bases in spring/summer
- Juveniles are grey-brown with white speckles
- Constant, swift direct flight with regular wingbeats
- Gregarious – often found in large, noisy flocks
- Wide variety of vocalizations including clicks, whistles and rattles
Similar species
The European starling could potentially be confused with several other black birds within its range:
Common myna
The common myna, native to Asia, can appear almost identical to the European starling. Differences include a yellow patch of skin around the eye, a yellow bill all year round, and a longer, more tapered tail. Rare vagrant birds could overlap in range with starlings.
Common blackbird
The common blackbird is similar in size but has a much longer tail and thinner bill than the starling. Males are black with an orange-yellow bill and eye-ring, while females are dark brown. Found in similar habitats to starlings.
Red-winged blackbird
Male red-winged blackbirds are all black with red shoulder patches bordered in yellow. Females are streaked brown. Shape is more elongated than the starling. Found in North America where ranges overlap.
| Species | Distinguishing Features |
|---|---|
| Common myna | Yellow patch around eye, yellow bill all year, longer tail |
| Common blackbird | Long tail, thin bill, males all black with orange-yellow bill |
| Red-winged blackbird | Male has red shoulder patches, female streaked brown, more elongated shape |
Behavior
European starlings are extremely social birds and spend much of their time in large, noisy flocks. They will roost together at night in huge communal gatherings sometimes numbering in the hundreds of thousands. During the day, smaller flocks will break off to forage on open ground where they walk rather than hop.
Courtship displays include aerial maneuvers by males and the presentation of nesting materials to females. Nests are placed in holes in trees, buildings or other cavities, where both parents will feed the young. Even once fledged, the young will remain with the parents for some time, forming large family flocks.
Outside of the breeding season, starlings become more nomadic, seeking out abundant sources of food. Their feeding is opportunistic – predominantly insects and worms, but also berries, seeds and nectar depending on availability.
Vocalizations
European starlings are exceptionally vocal birds. Some of the most common sounds include:
- A loud series of clicks, whistles and rattles while perched
- Mimicry of other bird calls and even mechanical sounds
- Whistling noises in flight
- Tremulous warbling incorporated into display flights
- Quieter chattering in social groups or when foraging
- Begging calls of chicks in nest can be loud and piercing
The ability to mimic calls has led to starlings learning snippets of birdsong, human speech and creaking gates. Recordings of starling vocalizations have even been used by musicians and incorporated into compositions. Their noisy and musical chatter provides a useful identification clue.
Where to observe
Look and listen for European starlings in a wide variety of open and semi-open habitats, both urban and rural, including:
- Farmland
- Pasture
- Marshes and water treatment plants
- Parks and gardens
- City streets and plazas
- Rural and suburban neighborhoods
- Near livestock facilities
- Trash dumps and landfills
They commonly nest in holes in buildings and other structures. Look for their large, noisy flocks flying overhead or walking on open ground while foraging. Listen for their clicks, whistles and mimicry at dawn or dusk when they congregate in trees to roost for the night.
Conclusion
The European starling is an abundant and widespread species easily identified by its glossy black plumage sprinkled with light speckles, yellow bill base and vocal mimicry. A highly social and gregarious bird, it spends much of its time in noisy flocks that provide constant clues to its presence. Introduced populations have allowed this adaptable species to extend its range across the world, making it a familiar sight across several continents. With key identification features like iridescent feathers, yellow bills in spring, and a wide repertoire of vocalizations, the European starling is a distinctive and lively bird that draws attention wherever it goes.
