ExploreBird

European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

European Starlings are charming birds with shiny feathers that can change colors in the light. They love to chatter and often gather in big groups, making lots of fun sounds!

Habitat: Open fields, parks, and urban areas

Appearance

The European Starling has glossy black feathers, shimmering with iridescent purples and greens. In winter, its body becomes speckled with many white spots, and its beak is yellow in summer but dark in winter, making it distinct.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassAvesOrderPasseriformesFamilySturnidaeGenusSturnus

European Starling

Interesting facts

A baby starling can double its weight in just six days after hatching!

Starlings gather in groups of over a million, creating amazing sky dances!

Starlings introduced to North America over 130 years ago are now widespread!

They use their strong beaks to probe soil, finding tasty insects underground.

Special abilities

European Starlings can imitate calls of other birds and even human sounds because of their complex vocal cords.

European Starlings perform mesmerizing 'murmurations' in huge flocks, flying together in synchronized patterns.

European Starlings have a flexible diet, switching between insects and fruits, which helps them find food year-round.

Measurements & details

Length: 19-23 cm
Wingspan: 31-44 cm
Weight: 0.06-0.09 kg
Lifespan: 2-7 years
Top Speed: 77 km/h
Clutch Size: 4-6
Incubation: 12-13 days
Migration Distance: 3000 km

Diet & Feeding

These adaptable birds enjoy a varied diet of insects in summer and fruits and seeds later in the year.

Age differences: Young birds mainly eat insects for quick growth; adults have a broader diet.

Primary Foods

Earthworms
Caterpillars
Beetles
Spiders
Berries
Seeds

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Eurasian Sparrowhawk

Accipiter nisus

Sparrowhawks hunt starlings.

eats

Common Earthworm

Lumbricus terrestris

Starlings forage for worms.

eats

Wild Cherry

Prunus avium

Starlings consume its fruits.

parasitizes

Common Cuckoo

Cuculus canorus

Cuckoos lay eggs in starling nests.

eats

Common Cockchafer

Melolontha melolontha

Starlings eat its larvae.

Traits

Wildlife

Step into the incredible world of wild animals and plants living freely in nature. From tiny insects to towering trees, it's all part of the wild wonders around us!

Feathered

These are animals covered in soft, beautiful feathers that help them fly, stay warm, and even attract mates! Think of all the amazing birds you know.

Social

Discover creatures that love to live and work together! These animals form groups, helping each other find food, stay safe, and raise their young.

Omnivorous

Meet versatile eaters who enjoy a wide variety of foods, from plants to other animals, allowing them to adapt to many different environments. They're nature's flexible diners!

Singing

Listen to the beautiful sounds of nature's singers! These animals use their voices to attract friends, mark their territory, or even warn others.

Urban Friendly

Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.

Invasive

Sometimes, plants or animals move to a new place where they don't naturally belong. They can grow so much that they make it hard for the native plants and animals to thrive.