Starling, Identification, Habitat and Food

Identification

Length: 21cm.

The Starling is compactly built with a short tail and long, pointed bill, pointed wings, triangular in shape, which make them distinguishable from the Blackbird when they are in flight. Adults have a green and purplish metallic sheen on the black plumage. The breast is spangled with small, pale spots, more heavily marked in winter. The bill changes colour from a grey-brown in winter to a conspicuous lemon yellow in summer. The young are a dull grey-brown colour with a paler throat than the male and an unspotted breast.

The Starling may be confused with the Blackbird, but the shape of the wings and shorter tail help to distinguish it. Their flight is direct and fast with rapid wing beats. It is a highly gregarious species and is often seen in huge flocks.

Call

Its usual call is a harsh ‘tcheer’. Their song is whistling and chattering. They often mimic other birds.

Reproduction

Breeding starts from mid-April. They nest in loose colonies and isolated pairs. The nest is situated in holes in trees, buildings, in nest boxes and sometimes in holes in the ground. The nest is a loose cup-shaped accumulation of stems, leaves and other plant material. It is lined with feathers and moss. The male begins the construction of the nest before pairing has occurred, the female will then complete it. Both sexes incubate for twelve or thirteen days. Both tend the young, which leave the nest after about twenty days.

Habitat

They like areas with scattered trees, including parks and gardens. They also frequent cultivated areas and moorland. They are also seen in city centres roosting on buildings and in trees.

Natural Food

They eat mainly insects, fruit and seeds.

Where to Feed

Feeder – Not suitable

Table – Open topped or covered

Ground – Scatter food in the open or near cover