STARLINGS (Sturnus vulgaris)
Biology
- Length: About 8.5 inches
- Stocky, short-tailed bird
- Winter – bill is dark, body heavily speckled with light dots.
- Spring – bill turns yellow, body color purple and green.
- Young immature birds are plain brownish-gray.
Distribution/Habits
- Found throughout the United States
- Build their nests in bird houses, wood pecker holes, palm trees, hollow tree cavities, etc.
- After leaving the nest as young, they form small flocks. As summer progresses, the flocks will increase in size to hundreds or thousands of starlings.
- They migrate from Northern regions to Southern regions in the winter months.
- Feed their young mainly insects.
- Adults prefer soft fruits, berries, seeds and grains.
- They create a public health problem because of difcotes and ectoparasites associated with droppings and nests.
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