The common starling is a noisy, glossy songbird and one of the most abundant birds on Earth. Its winter murmurations are one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.
Interesting facts
- About 60–100 starlings released in New York’s Central Park in 1890 gave rise to hundreds of millions in North America.
- Starlings are excellent mimics, copying other birds, car alarms and phone ringtones.
- Mozart kept a pet starling that could sing part of one of his piano concertos.
- In a murmuration, each bird tracks the movements of about seven neighbours.
- Their glossy plumage is covered in white spots in winter.
- Starling numbers have fallen sharply in Britain since the 1970s.
Behaviour
Starlings are highly social and feed in flocks on lawns and fields, probing the ground for grubs. In winter, they roost together in reedbeds, woods and on buildings.
Breeding and young
Starlings nest in holes in trees and buildings, laying four to six pale blue eggs.
Threats and conservation
Declines in parts of Europe are linked to changes in farming and loss of grassland insects. Introduced populations are considered pests.
Where to see it
- Ham Wall, Somerset Levels, England
- Brighton Palace Pier, England
- Gretna Green, Scotland
- Rome, Italy, in winter
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
