European starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CONFIRMATION STATUS: Confirmed.

 

IDENTIFICATION:

• Length: 6 inches

• Pointed bill-yellow for most of year, dark in fall

• Black plumage with green and purple iridescence

• White spots scattered about head and body-largest in fall

• Dark wings and tail

• Pointed wings

• Short tail

• Juvenile gray-brown with faint streaking below

• Very common-frequently seen in large flocks

Similar species:

The European starling is somewhat similar to blackbirds, cowbirds and
grackles but has a shorter tail, chunkier body, white spots on the head
and body (most evident in fall), and a yellow bill (not evident in the fall).

 

LIFE HISTORY

Migration Status: Short distance migrant
Breeding Habitat: Urban
Nest Location: Mid-story/canopy nesting
Nest Type: Cavity
Clutch Size: 4-7
Length of Incubation: 12-14 days
Days to Fledge: 18-21
Number of Broods: 2, occasionally 3
Diet: Mostly insects; lesser quantities of fruit

 

SKY MEADOWS DISTRIBUTION/SEASONAL OCCURRENCE

 

Relative abundance and seasonal occurrence are indicated in red below.

 

Relative abundance
     C - Common: Likely to be present in good numbers in appropriate habitat and season.
     U - Uncommon: May be present in appropriate habitat and season, often in low
            numbers.
     O - Occassional: Found in appropriate habitat perhaps only a few times per season,
            sometimes low numbers.
     R - Rare: May not be recorded every year.
     Acc - Accidental: Recorded once or twice, may not be expected again for a long time.

 

Seasonal Occurrence
      Sp - Spring: March, April, May C
      Su - Summer: June, July, August C
      Fall: September, October, November C

      Winter: December, January, February C

 

 

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