Sturnus vulgaris
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Mass
~75 g
Habitat
Urban areas and gardens
Diet
Omnivore
How to recognize it
The European Starling is a busy, noisy companion with dark, glossy plumage that turns speckled in winter. On the ground it does not hop much, but walks and runs with a quick, slightly awkward stride.
Its voice is often the first thing you notice. It sings a lot, clicks, whistles, and readily copies other sounds, while the male can keep going for long stretches in spring, often fluttering his wings beside a chosen nest site.
It likes open grassy places, city lawns, parks, farms, and coasts. It feeds on insects, worms, seeds, and fruit, and in towns it also takes scraps; some populations stay year-round, while others move south for winter.
Quick Facts
Listen to the call
The European Starling is a busy, noisy companion with dark, glossy plumage that turns speckled in winter. On the ground it does not hop much, but walks and runs with a quick, slightly awkward stride.
Its voice is often the first thing you notice. It sings a lot, clicks, whistles, and readily copies other sounds, while the male can keep going for long stretches in spring, often fluttering his wings beside a chosen nest site.
It likes open grassy places, city lawns, parks, farms, and coasts. It feeds on insects, worms, seeds, and fruit, and in towns it also takes scraps; some populations stay year-round, while others move south for winter.
