Invasive Species — European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Biological Characteristics

Identification

Also known as Common Starlings in Europe, adult birds are 8.4 in (21.3 cm) long with a 16.1 in (41 cm) wingspan and weigh 2.9 oz (82 g). They are similar in size to an American Robin but have iridescent dark feathers speckled in "starry" white flecks in winter and more uniformly dark in summer. Heads and feathers can have purple and greenish hues with pale orange legs and bright yellow beaks in breeding season. Females and males look identical, and juveniles are more brown with duller beaks.

Biology

Starlings feed and travel in large flocks similar to waxwings, tending to congregate in urban environments. They are omnivores and can feed on invertebrates, fruits, berries, grains, seeds, garbage, livestock feed, etc. When standing near a foraging flock, they will emit loud buzzes, click, whistles, chattering, and trill calls with a wide variety of vocalizations and mimicry.

Photo by Arin Underwood