Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Family: Rhabdornis, Starlings, and Mynas · Status: Vagrant · Size: 20–23 cm · Conservation: Least Concern

Range

Breeds from Europe east to northeastern China and Mongolia. Non-breeding range extends to North Africa and northern India. Introduced widely, including North America and Australia..

Identification

Breeding adults are dark overall with purple and green iridescence and white spotting throughout; bill yellow with pale blue base in males, pale pink in females. Non-breeding adults are dark with white speckling throughout. Juveniles are uniform grey-brown with pale-edged wing feathers. Smaller and shorter-tailed than Chinese Blackbird, which also has yellow bill and eyering but lacks speckled non-breeding plumage. Lacks red eye and has yellow bill and reddish legs, unlike Asian Glossy Starling.

Habitat

Open habitats including fields, agricultural areas, and seashore.

Behaviour

Where this species is common, roosts in large numbers, forming murmurations. Feeds on invertebrates and fruit by probing the ground.