Chapter 23 - EUROPEAN STARLING

The Latin name for this species is Sturnus vulgaris. It inhabits Great Britain and Europe, ranging eastward as far as Central Siberia. European Starlings have been introduced in New Zealand, South Africa and the United States. The United States introduction occurred in 1890, through 60 birds being liberated in Central Park, New York City.

There are several races, but they are all subspecies of the European Starling. One species is more heavily spangled and has green ear-coverts. Adults are glossy black with purple reflections mixed in with green and violet. The light cream colored fringes on the body feathers give it a spangled appearance. Cocks lose some of this spangling in summer; and their bill is then yellow, while in winter it is black. The hen is similar, but duller in coloring and in bill. In the sum­mer she doesn't lose her spots as completely as the cocks do. Young Starlings are quite different from either parent, being a drab brown without markings or gloss, and they have black bills. They attain their adult gloss and spangling at the first moult.

COMMON  EUROPEAN  STARLING

The hens have the most spangling.  The cocks are more glossy purple and green, with their bill yellow in summer, turning black in winter. Starlings (Sturnidae), except for this introduced species, do not exist in the Ameri­cas.   The various species are found mostly in the Indian and African regions.

TALKING AND FEEDING

European Starlings may be taught to say some words or short phrases. They are good mimics of other birds and can whistle fairly well. Like all birds trained for talking, you should obtain a young tamed bird. As tame pets they are very friendly, showing no fear. The young are easily hand-reared. European Starlings are softbill omnivorous birds, and may be fed the same diet as was given for Hill Mynahs, with the addition of 6-8 mealworms per day, as they are partly insectivorous. Beetles, grubs, ant eggs, caterpillars, etc., may be supplied instead of mealworms.

NESTING

These Starlings are so common that the fancier probably wouldn't breed them. If you do, they require a closed nest box 9 inches square, with a three-inch-diameter entrance hole. The usual 6-inch alighting perch may be affixed near this hole. The box should be hung up as high as possible. They are social breeders, and a few pairs may be bred in one en­closure. Four to six pale blue glossy eggs are laid around the end of April. Usually only one brood is produced, although sometimes another clutch is laid later in the season.

Starlings greatly enjoy bathing every sunny day, when they can afterwards preen themselves in the sun.

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