European Starling (Common Starling)

The European Starling is a medium-sized songbird with a stocky build, short tail, and long, pointed bill. During breeding season, adults are glossy black with metallic purple and green sheens, while winter plumage features striking white spots. Known for massive murmurations and exceptional mimicry.

Dark brownish-black base color with prominent white or buff tip spots (spangling) and strong purple and green iridescence under direct light, typical of fresh non-breeding adult plumage.

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbs and barbicels, transitioning to a slightly plumulaceous base with a small, rudimentary afterfeather. Barbs are intact and well-maintained.

Smooth, glossy, and silky with high structural reflectivity giving it a metallic sheen.

Dark iridescent black coloration combined with distinct white terminal spots and a pointed contour feather shape.

Highly adaptable, found in urban areas, agricultural fields, suburban backyards, open woodlands, and grasslands.

Native to temperate Eurasia, introduced globally and now found extensively across North America, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Acts as an insectivore consuming agricultural pests, but can also be an aggressive invasive species competing with native cavity-nesting birds.

Other black-colored passerines such as Cowbirds or Grackles, though starlings are uniquely distinguished by their speckled tips and intense iridescence.

Starlings are master mimics, able to imitate the calls of dozens of other bird species as well as mechanical sounds like car alarms and sirens. Their synchronized flight displays called murmurations are world-famous.

Good condition, fresh appearance with minimal wear and intact barbs.

Backyard