European Starling - Photos by Bruce Dayton - European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

ORDER: Passeriformes
FAMILY: Sturnidae (Starlings and Mynas - 2 Species)
SPECIES: European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

European Starling
The European Starling is also called the Common Starling. This starling is native to most of Eurasia, but has been introduced to South Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand.
SIZE	The European Starling is a medium-sized (8-10") black bird.
DESCRIPTION	Summer plumage is black with purple and green iridescence and a short, square-tipped tail. The starling is the only black bird with a yellow bill (yellow during breeding season) in the United States. Starlings walk rather than hop. Sexes are similar in appearance.
NESTING	Clutch size ranges from 2-8 eggs, which are incubated in 12 to 14 days. The European Starling is a hole-nesting species and will nest in just about any cavity it finds.
RANGE	The European Starling breeds from Alaska across southern Canada, throughout the U.S. and south to Mexico.
HABITAT	The European Starling habitats a great variety of habitats, wherever it is suitable for nesting. They appear to favor settled agricultural areas where food is plentiful.
DIET	The European starling is truly omnivorous. Approximately half of the diet of the starling is made up of insects, They eat a wide range of seeds, grains, and fruits, both natural and cultivated. Their eating of grains (corn and wheat) and food products (Fruits and vegetables) have a significant effect on the profits of grain producers and agricultural farmers in some areas.
SPECIAL	Starlings will sometimes drive off native birds, including bluebirds, Purple Martins, Tree Swallows, and some of the smaller species of woodpeckers. Many species are losing nesting sites to the more aggressive Starlings.

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The images on this web page are copyrighted © 2003 - 2007 by Bruce Dayton. I want to share my photos to promote conservation and to help people identify and learn about the birds and other creatures that live with us on the North American continent. Please do not use any of my work in any non-profit or for-profit project without first getting written permission from me. You can ask for permission by emailing me at webmaster@wildlifeofnorthamerica.info. All reproductions must bear an appropriate credit.

NOTE: This site will be updated as pictures, information and time become available.




European Starling

Stewart Park, Ithaca Tompkins County, New York


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Groton Township Tompkins County, New York


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Scipio Township Cayuga County, New York


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Golden-crowned Kinglet Drawing by Louis Agassiz Fuertes