European Starling -- South Dakota Birds
| Length: 8.5 inches | Wingspan: 15 inches | Seasonality: All Seasons |
| ID Keys: Black with iridescent green and purple sheen, short tail, long straight bill | ||
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European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Originally a Eurasian species introduced into New York's Central Park in 1890, the European Starling is now abundant throughout the United States and into Southern Canada. Unfortunately, it competes with native species for nesting locations, causing a population decline for species such as the Eastern Bluebird and Red-headed Woodpecker.
Habitat: Urban centers, farmsteads and farm fields, or other disturbed areas. Much less common in extensive natural settings such as unbroken forest, shrub/grassland, or desert.
Diet: Wide variety of items, including insects, earthworms, seeds, fruits, and berries.
Nesting: May through June.
Breeding map: Breeding bird survey map
Song: European Starling Song
Migrations: Some do move south in the fall, while others remain year-round.
Feeders: Suet, seeds, peanuts, bread, and many other items.
Birdhouses: Will use bluebird-sized or larger nest boxes.
Further Information: 1) USGS Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, European Starling
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - European Starling"
3) E-nature.com: European Starling
Photo Information: November 18th, 2001 -- Outdoor Campus in Sioux Falls -- Terry L. Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution European Starling photos.
| Additional European Starling Photos | ||
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| European Starling 1 | European Starling 2 (Juvenile) | European Starling 3 |
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| European Starling 5 | ||
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Please mail any comments/suggestions/additional links for this page to: Terry L. Sohl
This page was last edited on 02/03/08
