IStarling > Sturnus vulgaris
Description: Approximately 22cm in length, the Starling is essentially black with purplish and green iridescence and pale, almost white spots covering the plumage, these being most obvious in winter months. Bill yellow in summer, brown in winter. Wings look very triangular in flight. When on the ground, Starlings strut around, rather than hopping like most birds do. Young birds (see inset) are light brown and are sometimes confused with female blackbirds, but blackbirds have shorter bills, longer tails and generally appear plumper than starlings.

Call: A wide range of whistling and clicking calls and songs, often mimicking other birds. Usually flaps wings while calling or singing.

Feeding habits: Omnivorous, taking many insects and other invertebrates as well as fruit. A regular at any bird table, often arriving in numbers and frightening other birds away.

Nest: An untidy cup of stalks and leaves, lined with moss and feathers and usually built in holes in trees or buildings or in dense creepers such as ivy.

Habitat and range: Woods, parks and gardens. Huge numbers can gather together in noisy roosts in winter, often on town buildings. Widespread throughout the UK.

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