European starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Identification Tips:
- Length: 6 inches
- 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).
Length and wingspan from: Robbins, C.S., Bruun, B., Zim, H.S., (1966). Birds of North America. New York: Western Publishing Company, Inc.