European Starling

Adults in breeding plumage are glossy black with iridescent purple and green highlights and a yellow bill. In winter, they are covered in white spots (tips of new feathers) and the bill turns dark. Juveniles are a uniform dull brown with a dark bill.

Short, square tail; long, pointed yellow bill (in spring); iridescent black plumage; white-flecked feathers in winter.

Length: 7.5-9.1 in (19-23 cm); Wingspan: 12.2-15.7 in (31-40 cm); Weight: 2.1-3.5 oz (60-100 g).

A complex series of whistles, clicks, rattles, and mimicry of other birds, mechanical sounds, or even human speech.

Omnivorous; they eat insects (especially grubs and worms), seeds, berries, and human food scraps. Often seen probing the ground with their bills.

Found in almost any habitat with open ground and nearby trees or structures for nesting, including towns, cities, and farms.

Resident to migratory. Northern populations in Eurasia and North America often migrate south to warmer climates in winter.

Cavity nesters that use holes in trees, buildings, or birdhouses. They are aggressive and often displace native birds like bluebirds or woodpeckers.

Common Grackle (larger, longer tail), Brown-headed Cowbird (shorter, thicker bill), and Red-winged Blackbird (different bill shape and wing markings).

They are effective insect predators but are considered an invasive pest in many regions where they compete with native cavity-nesters for nesting sites.

Least Concern (IUCN); population is large and widespread, though declining in parts of its native European range.

Easily found in suburban yards, city parks, and agricultural fields. They are often seen in large flocks (murmurations) especially during late autumn and winter.

All European Starlings in North America are descendants of about 100 birds released in New York City's Central Park in the early 1890s by a group wanting to introduce all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays.