The starling is a small to medium-sized passerine bird that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. They are very social birds that often gather in large flocks called “murmurations”, especially during winter months. Starlings have glossy black plumage with small white spots in the winter, which helps distinguish them from other similar bird species. They have a wide range of vocalizations and can mimic sounds, including human speech. Starlings were introduced to North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, where some populations have become invasive. Starlings have several common names and nicknames beyond just “starling”.
Common Names for the Starling
Some of the most common alternate names for the starling include:
European Starling
The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) refers to the species in its native range in Eurasia. It differentiates it from other starling species found in Africa, Asia and Australia. The name “European starling” is more proper terminology when referring to the invasive populations found in North America, Australia and elsewhere, that originated from European stock.
Common Starling
Common starling is another frequently used term for the European starling species. The “common” part refers to the fact that it is abundant in many areas, especially in Europe. Common starling emphasizes that it is the most widespread and familiar species of starling to many people.
English Starling
English starling is used to specify that the European species comes from England as one of its native homes. It was English starlings that were originally introduced to places like North America and Australia in the 19th century. The name distinguishes them from starlings native to other European countries.
Eurasian Starling
Eurasian starling is an alternate name that highlights the broader native range of the species across Europe and temperate Asia. The Eurasian region stretches from Western Europe through Russia, Siberia, Central Asia and parts of the Middle East.
Blackbird
Blackbird is sometimes used as a casual name for the European starling, however this can cause confusion with other bird species that are also called blackbirds. The Common Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a true thrush species, while the Red-winged Blackbird of North America (Agelaius phoeniceus) is a different family of birds entirely (Icteridae). So the use of blackbird for Sturnus vulgaris is discouraged.
Nicknames for Starlings
Beyond formal common names, starlings have amassed a variety of nicknames over the years. Some examples include:
Flying Rats
One of the most unflattering nicknames used for starlings is “flying rats”. This comes from their tendency to gather in large, messy flocks that damage crops and leave droppings everywhere, not unlike a rat infestation. The nickname is especially used in places like Australia and North America where starlings are invasive.
Feathered Locusts
Another nickname along the same lines as flying rats is “feathered locusts”. This is again derived from the huge flocks that descend en masse on agricultural fields, devouring and destroying crops. Their swarming numbers are likened to a ravenous locust plague.
Muck Spugs
Muck spug is a Scottish term for starlings, used especially around Edinburgh. Spug is a regional word meaning sparrow, while muck refers to their dirty habits around human settlements.
Sturnids
Sturnids is sometimes used as a catch-all nickname for starlings. It comes from their scientific family name Sturnidae. So calling them sturnids identifies them as part of the starling family.
Shriekers
Shriekers refers to the loud, high-pitched calls and squawks that starlings frequently make, especially when gathering in flocks. The nickname shriekers pokes fun at their tendency to be noisy and loud.
Why Starlings Have So Many Different Names
Starlings have accumulated a wide assortment of formal common names and informal nicknames for several reasons:
Their Native Range Covers Multiple Countries
The European starling naturally inhabits many countries across Europe and Asia with diverse languages and naming conventions. This results in varied common names like English starling, Eurasian starling, etc.
They Have Been Introduced to Even More Regions
Starlings have been transported by humans to live in the Americas, Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Each locale has its own naming nuances and nicknames for the abundant starling immigrants.
Their Behavior Varies in Native and Invasive Ranges
Starlings are native and well-behaved in Europe but invasive pests in many new habitats. This dichotomy leads to very different nicknames between “good” starlings and “bad” starlings.
They are a Very Noticeable Species
With their dark color, boisterous flocks, chatter, mimicry, and ubiquity near humans, starlings attract a lot of attention and naming creativity. A more discreet species would not have so many monikers.
Their Shared Genus Causes Some Confusion
There are other birds like mynas and oxpeckers in the Sturnus genus which leads to some naming ambiguity between true starlings and their distant relatives.
Conclusion
In summary, the European starling has earned an assortment of formal common names and casual nicknames to match its wide natural and introduced range, its varied regional status as native or invasive, its conspicuous biology and behavior near humans, and confusion over taxonomy within the Sturnidae family. But whether you call it a European starling, English starling, sturnid, shrieker, or even flying rat, this familiar bird species has certainly made its cultural mark across continents.
