Sturnus vulgaris, Common Starling

General Description

Body shiny, dark green-black, with brown edges on the wing feathers. When not breeding, body spotted brown and white. Bill yellow, legs black. Body up to 20 cm long.

Biology

Starlings were introduced in the 1850s and have become a common pest. In winter, they roost in large flocks. They mainly eat adult and larval insects and other invertebrates, but will also eat small lizards and frogs as well as seeds and nectar.

Distribution

Eastern and southern mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Habitat

Woodlands, farmlands and urban areas.