European Starling

Adult European starlings are about 7 ½ to 8 ½ inches long. They are stocky, short-tailed, and sport a long slender bill (a feature that distinguishes them from most other blackbirds). Starling plumage varies throughout the season. In spring and summer, European starlings are black with an iridescent green-purple sheen and yellow bill. In winter, however, their plumage becomes heavily speckled, and their bills become dark in color. Typically, starlings have two short legs, each bearing one rear-facing and three forward-facing toes. Juveniles appear somewhat different than their adult counterparts, with dull brown or greyish feathers and darker, almost black beaks. They are often mistaken for other bird species.

In the wild, starlings typically nest in tree cavities. However, they are opportunistic, and in urban environments, they will nest in virtually any hole or nook that is viable around a structure.

In the spring, starlings typically flock in small groups. As the season progresses, these small flocks gradually merge. Growing in number, until autumn, where birds can number into the thousands. Come winter, a portion of these flocks may migrate hundreds of miles south. While others may remain in the same area, sheltering in urban buildings or dense pine forests.

Starlings begin foraging activity at dawn and will travel upwards of 113km from their roosting sites to feed. They will return around dusk but will not enter their roosts until after sunset.

Diets vary over the season for starlings. In spring and early summer, starlings feed on insects, berries, seeds, and fruit. In late summer, however, they prefer to feed on grains instead of invertebrates. In the winter, grains make up the bulk of their diet. This dietary shift accounts for their increased presence around livestock facilities in the colder months, where animal feed is abundant. In times of scarcity, however, starlings will feed on nearly anything.

Starlings have two broods a year with each brood containing 2-8 eggs per clutch. Eggs are white, pale blue, or greenish-white and may contain dark spots. Incubation of the eggs ranges from 11-to 14 days. Fledglings typically leave their nests within 3-4 weeks. The young leave their nests shortly after their first flight (19-22 days after hatching) and join other juveniles, eventually merging with larger flocks as autumn approaches.

1. Starlings are very territorial and will often oust native hole-nesting bird species such as woodpeckers, bluebird and flickers.
2. Starlings are strong fliers and can get up to speeds of 77 kph (48 mph).
3. Starlings are known to carry a wide range of diseases. This is likely due, in part, to their tendency to reuse old nests coupled with their lack of concern for roost cleanliness.