Species Guide: European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
Family: Sturnidae
APPEARANCE
The European Starling is a striking bird with a dark appearance that becomes colorful up close. During breeding season, its plumage exhibits iridescent shades of green, blue, and purple, while in winter, it is marked with small silver spots. They are similar in size to thrushes and typically weigh just under 80 grams. Juvenile starlings, on the other hand, display a greyish-brown color.
Diet
European Starlings primarily feed on invertebrates such as spiders, moths, and earthworms. They will also eat fruit. Starlings commonly forage on lawns and pastural land, the latter making them unpopular with farmers.
HABITAT
European Starlings are found throughout Britain and Ireland, with the exception of the highest ground in Scotland.
Resident
Summer
Winter
Introduced
Ad Space
Behavior
European Starling populations increase significantly during the winter months, as birds migrate from northern Europe, forming roosts that can number over a million individuals. During this period, they have become synonymous with beautiful murmurations where thousands of birds form mesmerizing patterns in the sky.
The breeding season typically occurs from March to April. Males build nests using leaves and dry grass, often in tree cavities, nest boxes, or under roof tiles. They perch near the nest and sing to attract a mate, who will then help complete the nest by adding feathers and moss. Usually, 4 to 5 eggs are laid by mid-April, hatching between 12 to 15 days later, and the chicks become fully fledged after an additional 19 to 21 days.
Biometrics2
| Wing Length | 126-137 cm |
| Body Weight | 73-98 grams |
| Longevity | 5 Years |
NATURAL PREDATORS
Starlings have several predators, including sparrowhawk & crows. Their nests are also susceptible from mammals as well as domestic cats.
Conservation Status
The species is classified on the UK Red List due to a significant decline in its breeding population since the 1960s. Globally, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) categorizes them as Least Concern.
U.K.
Conservation Status
Global
Conservation Status
Ad Space
Citations
- By MPF – Own work using:Native range:Snow & Perrins BWP Concisedel Hoyo et al. Handbook of the Birds of the World 14: 724Harrison, Atlas of the Birds of the Western PalaearcticIntroduced range:Sibley North American Bird GuideAustraliaSouth Africa, CC BY-SA 3.0, [Accessed 10/10/2025] ↩︎
- Featherbase ↩︎
