European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

The European Starling is a stocky, short-tailed bird found on lawns and in towns across the United States. It was introduced in New York in 1890. Its fresh fall feathers are speckled white, but the spots wear away by spring, leaving glossy, dark feathers.

Appearance

Appearance: A stocky bird with a short tail and a long, pointed bill, about 8–9 in (20–23 cm) long. The bill is yellow in breeding season and dark in winter.
Voice: It whistles, rattles, and copies other birds’ sounds.

Look-alikes

Common GrackleQuiscalus quiscula

A Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula) is longer-legged with a much longer tail and heavier bill. A European Starling has a short tail and a slim, pointed bill.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: towns and suburbs
lawns and fields
farmland
Range: Introduced from Europe and now widespread across the United States.
Seasonal presence: Present year-round in much of the U.S.; some northern birds move south in winter.
When it’s recorded: Recorded year-round, every year · most records in Apr
74,088 observations in the US · 10 years · for referenceChoose a state

Behavior

Diet: It eats insects and other small animals without backbones, as well as fruit and seeds.
Social life: Outside breeding season, it often forms large, noisy flocks.

Life cycle

Nest: It nests in holes in trees or buildings and in nest boxes.
Clutch size: 3–6 eggs

Name and classification

About the name: The European and Azores forms are named within this species.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

Culture and stories

Culture and stories: In the United States, this introduced bird can compete with native birds for nest holes.

11 sources