European Starling

European starlings appear black from a distance, but upon closer inspection, they have a purple and green iridescent sheen, while their winter plumage is brown with white spots. Somewhat smaller than a robin, European starlings weigh about 2-3.5 ounces, are about 8-9 inches in length and have a wingspan of approximately 12-15.8 inches. The name “starling” comes from the fact that the European starling (and other starlings) have relatively short pointy wings, and a short tail, with its head out in front this gives the bird the appearance of a four point star during flight. European starlings have a varied diet and will forage in large flocks for insects on the ground, fruits and berries on trees and bushes, grains in fields and feedlots, and even garbage. European starlings tend to travel in large, noisy flocks, and while they have their own songs and calls. They excel at mimicry and can imitate the calls of 20 other bird species. European starlings nest in old woodpecker holes or bird houses and will aggressively remove other birds or ducks from their selected area.