Common Starling / European Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris )
Common Starling / European Starling - Common Starling / European Starling information - Common Starling / European Starling facts
The Common starling is spread all around North America except the far north areas and Alaska. Starlings were originally brought to the USA, to be precise to Central park in New York, from England. The reason is very poetic – there was an unfulfilled plan to introduce all the birds, described in the works of the famous British playwright William Shakespeare, to North America. In 1890 they were released first small flock of 60 starlings and the next year further 40 starlings. These days there are millions of starlings in North America, which are direct descendants of the initial group of 100 starlings.
Sturnus vulgaris is 22 cm (8.5 inches) in size. Its nests can be usually found in tree holes and birdhouses. They are well known for taking foreign nests for their own use.
Starlings generally live close to houses and buildings. They tend to fly in small flocks. In danger they fly very close to one another in order to confuse the predator. The females have up to 9 eggs, which are white to pale blue or green. They feed on small invertebrates, berries and food provided by humans of course.
The Common starling has a very colorful plumage. It is purplish-black on the head and on the chest. The wings have a green hue whereas the wing ending is brownish. There are pale markings all over their body. The bill is yellow.
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