Any of about 168 species (family Sturnidae) of songbirds of temperate Eurasia, Africa, and Australia.
The best-known is Sturnus vulgaris , an 8-in. (20-cm), chunky, iridescent black bird with a long sharp bill. It has been introduced from Eurasia to most parts of the world, except South America. The millions in North America are descendants of 100 birds released in New York City in 1890. Starlings search the ground for a wide range of plant and animal foods and fly in a tight flock. They are vocal year-round, mimicking other birds' notes and uttering wheezy sounds of their own.
Starling ( Sturnus vulgaris )
(Top) Eric Hosking, (bottom) George W. Robinson from Root Resources
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