Common starling

Description

Sturnus vulgaris, commonly known as the European starling or common starling, is a medium-sized bird that belongs to the family Sturnidae. It is one of the most widespread and successful bird species in the world, with a natural range that extends throughout Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, due to its adaptability and hardiness, it has also been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Physical Characteristics The common starling is a relatively small bird, measuring between 19 and 23 cm (7.5 to 9 inches) in length, and weighing between 60 and 100 g (2.1 to 3.5 ounces). It has a short tail and a pointed bill, which is yellow in summer and black in winter. The plumage of the European starling is glossy and iridescent, with a dark greenish-black color and purplish sheen. During the breeding season, adult birds develop bright yellow beaks and legs, and their plumage takes on a speckled appearance, with white spots on their feathers. Habitat and Distribution The European starling is a highly adaptable bird that can live in a wide range of habitats, including urban and rural areas, grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands. It is a common sight in gardens, parks, and other urban areas, where it often congregates in large flocks. In its natural range, the European starling breeds from Iceland and northern Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, and from the British Isles to western Russia. It is also found in parts of Asia and North Africa. Behavior Sturnus vulgaris are highly social birds that often form large flocks outside of the breeding season. These flocks can number in the thousands, and they are known for their aerial displays, which involve synchronized swooping and diving in a coordinated manner. European starlings are also known for their mimicry skills, and they are capable of imitating the calls of other bird species, as well as sounds like car alarms and human speech. During the breeding season, European starlings become more territorial and pairs defend their nesting sites from other starlings. They are cavity nesters, and they will use a variety of nest sites, including natural tree cavities, holes in buildings, and nest boxes. The female will lay between 4 and 6 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish in color, and she will incubate them for around 12 days. Both parents will then feed the chicks for a period of 3 to 4 weeks, until they fledge. Overall, European starlings are active and vocal birds that engage in a variety of interesting behaviors, both during and outside of the breeding season. Diet The diet of European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) is quite varied, and they are considered opportunistic feeders. Their natural diet consists of insects, including beetles, flies, and caterpillars, as well as spiders, earthworms, and other invertebrates. During the fall and winter, they also feed on fruits and berries, including grapes, apples, and elderberries. In urban areas, they can often be seen feeding on birdseed and scraps of human food, such as bread and cheese. European starlings are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, and they will often compete with other bird species for food. This can sometimes cause conflict with other birds, particularly in areas where food is scarce. However, their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits have helped them to thrive in a wide range of environments, both in their natural range and in areas where they have been introduced. Breeding The common starling is a cavity nester, which means that it builds its nest in a hollowed-out space, such as a tree cavity, a hole in a building, or a nest box. During the breeding season, which typically occurs between March and July, pairs of starlings become more territorial and defend their nesting sites from other starlings. The female starling lays between 4 and 6 eggs, which are pale blue or greenish in color and are speckled with dark markings. She incubates the eggs for around 12 days, while the male brings her food. Both parents will then feed the chicks for a period of 3 to 4 weeks, until they are ready to fledge. European starlings may have one or two broods in a breeding season, depending on environmental conditions and the availability of food. In areas where food is abundant, starlings may be able to breed multiple times in a season. Overall, the breeding behavior of European starlings is relatively straightforward, and they are able to breed successfully in a variety of nesting sites, both natural and man-made. Ecological Impact The ecological impact of the European starling varies depending on its location. In its native range, the European starling plays an important role in ecosystems by controlling insect populations and serving as a food source for predators. However, in areas where it has been introduced as an invasive species, such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand, it can have significant negative impacts. European starlings are aggressive competitors for resources such as nesting sites, food, and water. In areas where they have been introduced, they can outcompete native bird species for these resources, leading to declines in local bird populations. In addition, they are known to spread diseases to other bird species, which can have further impacts on local ecosystems. Large flocks of European starlings can also cause damage to crops and buildings, particularly in urban areas where they congregate in large numbers. Their droppings can create health hazards in public areas, and they can also damage buildings and other structures. Overall, while the European starling has a beneficial role in its native range, it can have significant negative impacts in areas where it has been introduced as an invasive species. Conservation efforts in these areas may involve control measures to reduce the impact of European starlings on native bird species and ecosystems. Conservation Status The conservation status of the Sturnus vulgaris varies depending on its location. In its natural range, it is considered a species of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), as it is still abundant and widespread throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, in some parts of its range, particularly in the United Kingdom, the European starling has undergone significant declines in population. The population in the UK has declined by around 80% since the 1970s, and it is now considered a species of conservation concern. The reasons for this decline are not fully understood, but factors such as habitat loss, changes in agricultural practices, and competition with other bird species are likely to be involved. Conservation efforts in the UK and other areas where the European starling is declining may involve measures to protect nesting sites, such as installing nest boxes and managing agricultural landscapes to provide suitable habitat. Research into the reasons for the decline may also help to inform conservation efforts and ensure that appropriate measures are taken to protect this important bird species. Conclusion The European starling is a fascinating and adaptable bird that has become a common sight in many parts of the world. Its glossy plumage, aerial displays, and mimicry skills make it a popular bird to observe, but it is also a species that has had significant ecological impacts in some areas.