Common Starling (European Starling)

The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird known for its dark, highly iridescent plumage that shimmers with purple and green in sunlight. During winter, their feathers are heavily speckled with white spots. They are remarkably gregarious, often forming massive, swirling flocks known as murmurations.

Dark metallic blackish-brown base with striking structural iridescence showing green, purple, and blue sheens, tipped with pale buff or whitish spots (spangles) characteristic of fresh non-breeding plumage

Pennaceous upper portion with tightly interlocked barbs and barbules, transitioning to a plumulaceous (fluffy) base with a small afterfeather

Smooth and glossy with a high degree of iridescence on the upper surface, and a softer, downy texture at the proximal base

Distinctive metallic green and purple structural coloration combined with pale triangular tips (spangles) and a pale basal rachis

Highly adaptable, found in open country, agricultural fields, lawns, parks, urban areas, and suburban neighborhoods

Native to Europe and western Asia, but introduced globally and now widespread across North America, southern Africa, Australia, and New Zealand

Acts as an important insect predator controlling agricultural pests, though large introduced populations can sometimes outcompete native cavity-nesting birds

Brewer's Blackbird or Common Grackle, but starlings can be distinguished by their smaller size, shorter tail, and distinct pale spangling on the body feathers

Starlings are master mimics and can imitate the calls of dozens of other bird species as well as mechanical sounds like car alarms and sirens

Good condition with intact barbs and minimal wear, suggesting a recently molted or fresh winter contour feather