Starling

Some starlings are bossy black birds that chase away other birds. Myna birds are in this family and are among the mimics that imitate other birds. Other well-known starlings are the oxpeckers which pick parasites from the skin of rhinos and hippos.

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Aves

Order: Passeriformes

Family: Sturnidae

Genus: Various (see below)

Species: Various (see below)

Starling species inhabit diverse habitats of savanna and temperate grasslands, steppes, and forests. People in Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australasia also may see and hear starlings in the skies and trees of their lands. Species have also been introduced into North America, New Zealand, southern Australia, and many tropical islands. Most starlings build bulky nests of dried grass in trees, cliffs, city buildings, or even rock faces behind waterfalls. Some nest holes are made by other species and taken over by starlings. A few species dig their holes in river banks and dead trees. Some nests are domed and rest in bushes or are pendulous, hanging freely like the pendulum in a grandfather clock. Many nests are in either tight or loose colonies. Most starling species are social, often roosting with starlings and other bird species in the evening. They breed in colonies and feed in flocks. Starlings are often loud and noisy, whistling, squawking, and rattling. Some can mimic or imitate other birds, animals, and even human speech. They have a reputation for being bossy, sometimes fighting and chasing other birds away with great flutters of wings.

Starlings perch in trees much of the time but also forage on the ground quite often in search of fruit and insects. Some also look for seeds, nectar, and pollen. One African species, the oxpecker, specializes in parasitic insects. It picks insects from the skin of larger mammals, such as rhinoceroses and hippopotamuses. This is a beneficial arrangement for both birds and larger beasts. The rhino or hippo does not become sick or die from the parasites, and the oxpecker finds an easy meal. Because starling species eat insects, they often breed in places where large populations of insects are available. They have stout, straight, and long bills for obtaining their food.

Starlings are small to medium-sized birds between 6 and 18 inches (16 to 45 centimeters) long and weigh 1 1/2 to 6 ounces (45 to 170 grams). Their plumage (feathering) is often black, but iridescent green, purple, or blue usually adds shine and reflective color to their feathers. Not all species are black. Some have brilliant orange and yellow or dull gray plumage. Starlings may be bald, have fleshy wattles decorating their heads, or have long crests of feathers on the tops of their heads. Wattles are flaps or folds of bare skin hanging from their throats. These wattles sometimes disappear and are replaced by feathers. The crests on their heads may be raised and lowered or permanently fixed in one position. Males may be more brightly colored than females, but the two are usually similar in color and shade. Forest-dwelling species have broad, rounded wings, while those in the drier, open habitats have longer, pointed wings. All starlings have large, strong legs and feet. They tend to walk more than they hop. Oxpeckers have long, sharp toes for clinging to large animals’ thick, tough hides.

Male European starlings may mate with a second female while the first is in her nest. He helps feed the first clutch (batch) of young but rarely helps with the second clutch. Some females lay their eggs in the nests of other starlings. Most female starlings lay four to five pale blue, brown-spotted eggs. Females in a few genera lay eggs without spots. In many species, males and females incubate the eggs for 12 to 15 days. Males play a smaller role in this activity. In one species, males do not sit on the eggs. None of the starling males feed their mates while they sit in the nest. After the young hatch, both parents feed the young. Sometimes three or more adults cooperate and help feed the young. The young become fledglings and can fly 19 to 30 days after hatching. They begin mating after two years.

Most starlings stay in the same locations each season, but some migrate. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of North America and Eurasia’s most common and numerous species. They can be pests, eating fruits, grains, and cattle food. In some places, they help rid the area of insects. Starlings are sometimes kept as pets in cages. Others are killed for their feathers or meat.

The lifespan of most starlings is five years, though some have lived up to 17 years.

Species include:

Asian glossy starling Aplonis panayensis

Bank myna Acridotheres ginginianus

Coleto Sarcops calvus

Common hill myna Gracula religiosa

European, or common, starling Sturnus vulgaris

Golden-crested myna Ampeliceps coronatus

Greater blue-eared glossy-starling Lamprotornis chalybaeus

Grosbeak starling Scissirostrum dubium

Red-winged starling Onychognathus morio

Rothschild's or Bali myna Leucopsar rothschildi

Sulawesi myna Basilornis celebensis

Superb starling Lamprotornis superbus

Violet-backed, plum-coloured, or amethyst starling Cinnyricinclus leucogaster

Wattled starling Creatophora cinerea

Yellow-billed oxpecker Buphagus africanus

Bibliography

"Common Starling." The Australian Museum, australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/common-starling. Accessed 15 May 2024.

"European Starling." A-Z Animals, 1 Aug. 2022, a-z-animals.com/animals/european-starling. Accessed 15 May 2024.

"Starling." British Trust for Ornithology, www.bto.org/understanding-birds/birdfacts/starling. Accessed 15 May 2024.