European starling

An introduced, highly social bird common around farms and towns.

Field guide

An introduced, highly social bird common around farms and towns.

Identification

Shared features

Short tail and pointed bill; glossy dark plumage is spotted in winter.

Male

Adults of both sexes are glossy and pale-spotted after autumn molt. In breeding dress, males tend to have a darker bill base and longer throat feathers; these subtle marks need a close view.

Female

Females usually show a pinkish bill base in breeding season and shorter, less pointed throat feathers. Winter spotting and juvenile brown plumage make field sexing difficult.

Habitat

Pastures, lawns, orchards, farm buildings and tree cavities.

Where to look during the day

Morning

At dawn, listen near roosts and feeding lawns as flocks disperse.

Afternoon

In the afternoon, watch short grass and farmyards for feeding groups.

Evening

At dusk, flocks gather noisily before entering shared roosts.

Sounds

A varied mix of whistles, rattles, clicks and imitations.

Recorded calls

European starling

Field recording of a European starling. A narrower call type or the caller's sex is not assigned to this clip.

Ryan Hodnett · Recording source

Natural history source: Read the source

Bag limits

Bag and possession summaries.

-No bag limit or possession limit.

Official bag-limit source