Quick Facts

Scientific name:  Sturnus vulgaris

Size:  Approx 22cm with a wingspan of 40cm

Distribution:  Found throughout the UK

Months seen:  All year round

Life Span: Average 5 years but can live to over 17 years (source BTO)

Habitat:  Parks, gardens, towns, cities, farmland and reedbeds

Food:  Seeds, fruit and insects

Special features:  The starling's plumage is mostly black, speckled with white.  It has glossy feathers which reflect the light with a green and purple sheen.  In winter the white speckles are more pronounced.

In spring, the male starling has a blue patch at the base of his beak, while the female has a pink patch at the base of hers.  In winter the beak goes a dark brown colour.

Juvenile starlings are pale brown, gradually becoming darker and more speckled as they develop.  The beak is black, but after the first winter this becomes yellow.

Starlings nest in holes in buildings or in trees.  The male builds a rough nest, and lets the female add the finishing touches.  The female lays between four and seven pale blue eggs, and the pair take turns at incubating them.

In winter they gather together in large flocks to roost.  Some starling roost sites can have over a million birds.

Related Pages

• Photos of White Starlings!
• UK Safari Birds Section
• Identify other wildlife
• Free Newsletter