Sturnus vulgaris
European Starlings have not yet invaded the Rockies to the same extent as they have the rest of North America. Throughout much of the continent, the starling is one of the most abundant urban birds. About 100 European Starlings were released in New York's Central Park in 1890 and 1891, as part of the local Shakespearean society's plan to introduce to the city all the birds mentioned in their favorite author's play. The starlings spread quickly across the continent, often at the expense of many native cavity-nesting birds that are unable to withstand the aggression of the introduced invaders. As the Rocky Mountains are continuously developed and urbanized, European Starlings will expand their range into these areas as well. |
I.D.: Sexes similar: short, squared tail; pointed, triangular wings in flight. Breeding adult: blackish, iridescent plumage; yellow bill. Fall adult: brown plumage overall; white spotting on the underparts; dark bill. Juvenile: gray-brown plumage; brown bill. Size: L 81/2 in. (22 cm). Range: locally common migrant and summer breeder throughout the Rockies; common winter resident only in the southern U.S. Rockies. Habitat: forest edges, townsites, agricultural areas, landfills and roadsides up to the lower montane. Nesting: in an abandoned woodpecker cavity, natural cavity, nest box or almost any other cavity; nest is made of grass, twigs and straw; female incubates 4-6 bluish eggs for 12-14 days. Feeding: very diverse diet, including many invertebrates, berries, seeds and garbage, taken from the ground and vegetation. Voice: rambling whistles, squeaks and gurgles; imitates other birds throughout the year. Similar Species: Brewer's Blackbird: longer tail; black bill. Brown-headed Cowbird : adult male has a longer tail and a shorter bill; juvenile has streaked underparts, a stout bill and a longer tail. |
