European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) Species Guide: Appearance, Diet, Habitat, Behavior, Stats, And Conservation Status

David Coultham

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Species Guide | European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

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Video | Common Starling – All You Need To Know

APPEARANCE

The European Starling is a striking bird with a dark appearance that becomes colorful up close. During breeding season, its plumage exhibits iridescent shades of green, blue, and purple, while in winter, it is marked with small silver spots. They are similar in size to thrushes and typically weigh just under 80 grams. Juvenile starlings, on the other hand, display a greyish-brown color.

Image Credit | wirestock

Diet

European Starlings primarily feed on invertebrates such as spiders, moths, and earthworms. They will also eat fruit. Starlings commonly forage on lawns and pastural land, the latter making them unpopular with farmers.

HABITAT

European Starlings are found throughout Britain and Ireland, with the exception of the highest ground in Scotland.

Note that this map is for a rough illustration of animal distribution across the UK1, whereby light green indicates established populations.

Behavior

European Starling populations increase significantly during the winter months, as birds migrate from northern Europe, forming roosts that can number over a million individuals. During this period, they have become synonymous with beautiful murmurations where thousands of birds form mesmerizing patterns in the sky.

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Video | The visual spectacle of Murmurations

The Sound of Thousands of Starlings:

Joost van Bruggen xeno-canto.org

The breeding season typically occurs from March to April. Males build nests using leaves and dry grass, often in tree cavities, nest boxes, or under roof tiles. They perch near the nest and sing to attract a mate, who will then help complete the nest by adding feathers and moss. Usually, 4 to 5 eggs are laid by mid-April, hatching between 12 to 15 days later, and the chicks become fully fledged after an additional 19 to 21 days.

Image Credit | mattcuda

STATS

Wing Length2126-137 cm
Body Weight373-98 grams
Longevity35 Years

NATURAL PREDATORS

Starlings have several predators, including sparrowhawk & crows. Their nests are also susceptible from mammals as well as domestic cats.

Conservation Status

The species is classified on the UK Red List due to a significant decline in its breeding population since the 1960s. Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes them as Least Concern.

U.K.
Conservation Status

Global
Conservation Status



References

  1. Population data based on BTO assessment
  2. Featherbase
  3. Biometrics data based on BTO assessment
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