Starling

Description

A sharp-beaked, medium-size bird with iridescent black wings of the family Sturnidae, such as Sturnus vulgaris. Native to Europe and Asia, starlings are now found throughout the world. They eat fruit and grains as well as harmful insects. Starlings are aggressive and noisy birds that can immitate the calls of other birds. They can form large communities in city centers resulting in copious debris and droppings.

Synonyms and Related Terms

mynah (Sturnus contra); blackbird (incorrect but often used); common starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Additional Images

• 

  European Starling

Authority

• Encyclopedia Britannica, http://www.britannica.com Comment: "starling." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2005. Encyclopædia Britannica Premium Service 17 Mar. 2005 .

• Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, at http://www.wikipedia.com Comment: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Starling (accessed Mar. 17, 2005)