Birdsong field guide
European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
The European Starling is a highly social, medium-sized passerine famous for its iridescent plumage and ability to form massive, synchronized murmurations. It is an exceptionally adaptable species that has successfully colonized multiple continents beyond its native range.
What it sounds like
A diverse and metallic medley of whistles, chatters, clicks, and complex mimicry.
Field notes
- Their iridescent feathers transition from white-spotted in winter to glossy purple-green in spring through 'wear molting,' where feather tips simply break off.
- The entire North American population of over 200 million birds descended from just 100 individuals released in New York's Central Park in the 1890s.
- They are exceptional mimics, capable of replicating the songs of other birds, frog calls, and even human-made sounds like car alarms.
- Starlings practice 'open-bill probing,' using strong muscles to pry open soil and vegetation to reach buried invertebrates.
- They are one of the few bird species that can move their eyes independently to track predators while simultaneously foraging.
Habitat
Agricultural fields, urban areas, suburban parks, and open woodlands.
Range
Native to Eurasia and North Africa; introduced populations are widespread across North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Similar & commonly confused birds
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