European starling Sturnus vulgaris

Identification Tips:

• 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).