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European Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

Least Concern (IUCN Red List)Starlings
European Starling, photographed by GAIMARD

Photo: GAIMARD · Pixabay · Pixabay Content License (licence)

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Call and song

About the European Starling

Stocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings. A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.

Species account: eBird.org, fetched 2025-12-26 · How these pages are made

Where it has been recorded

Recorded in 137 of the 253 countries we have eBird lists for. Each opens that country's checklist.

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