Common Starling

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Common Starling - Bob Winters

Sturnus vulgaris

Male and female similar however the female is less glossy than the male. Plumage varies according to the season. In autumn, black, glossed bronze-green and purple plumage with the underparts tipped white giving a spotted appearance. As the breeding season progresses the adults become glossy-black without the spots. Bill black in winter and pale yellow in summer. Size 21 cm.

Details
Type
Bird
Group
Animals
Starlings and Mynas
Biology

Breeds August-January. Builds an untidy cup nest in tree hollows, stumps, fence posts, walls and celiings of buildings. Is considered a pest in Australia. Willl readily compete with native bird species for nest sites. Forms large flocks in winter.

Distinctive Markings

Glossy black with the appearance of white spots due to the underparts tipped white in autumn.

Taxonomy
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Aves
Order
Passeriformes
Family
Sturnidae
Genus
Sturnus
Species
vulgaris
Native to Europe, north and west Asia. Now established in Australia throughout south east Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and southern South Australia.

Source: Atlas of Living Australia

Common Starlings were introduced to Australia from Europe, north and west Asia in the 1860s.

Interesting Facts
Diet

Omnivore, feeding on invertebrates and seeds in paddocks and on lawns. Also eats human scraps and fruit crops.

Habitat

Urban areas, agricultural areas near towns. Also open woodlands, watercourses, gardens and orchards.

Native Status
Introduced
Audio
Sounds
Wheezing, rattling and clicking noises. "chwee" "tizz-tzz".