A small, adaptable bird that has made its presence known across much of the world. Originally native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, this bird is now found on almost every continent, thanks to human introductions. In North America, for instance, a small group of starlings released in the late 19th century has grown into a population of millions. Despite its plain name, the European starling is a striking bird, with glossy black feathers that shimmer with shades of green and purple in the sunlight. During winter, their plumage is speckled with white, giving them a starry appearance.
European starlings are social creatures, often found in large flocks that can number in the thousands. These flocks, known as murmurations, are famous for their synchronized aerial displays. Watching a murmuration is like seeing a living cloud that twists, turns, and shifts in perfect harmony. This mesmerizing behavior is not just beautiful but serves a purpose—it confuses predators like hawks and falcons, making it harder for them to single out a target.
The starling’s adaptability is one of its most defining traits. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas and farmland. It is an omnivore, feeding on insects, fruits, seeds, and even scraps from human activities. This varied diet allows it to survive in many environments, but it also means starlings can outcompete native species for food and nesting sites, making them controversial bird in regions where they are invasive.
While European starlings are admired for their beauty and adaptability, they also have a darker side. Invasive populations have caused significant ecological damage, displacing native birds like bluebirds and woodpeckers and competing for limited resources. Their large flocks can also cause problems for agriculture, as they are known to damage crops.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belarus
Belgium
Bermuda
Bhutan
Bosnia And Herz.
Bulgaria
Canada
Cape Verde
Cayman Islands
China
Croatia
Cuba
Cyprus
Czechia
Denmark
Dominican Republic
Egypt
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Haiti
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Korea
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Latvia
Lebanon
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Maldives
Malta
Mexico
Moldova
Mongolia
Montenegro
Morocco
Myanmar
Nepal
Netherlands
New Zealand
North Macedonia
Norway
Oman
Panama
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Romania
Russia
Saint Pierre
Saudi Arabia
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Svalbard
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Thailand
Tonga
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turks & Caicos
Turkey
UAE
US Virgin Islands
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
YemenAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Flock
Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
