PASSERIFORMES: Sturnidae

Sturnus vulgaris  

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
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© Larry Dunis 2009
Snug, TAS (Aug, 2009)

This bird was introduced from England in the mid-nineteenth century and it has spread over most of south-eastern Australia. Starlings generally feed on ground-dwelling insects however it will eat fruit when it is available and consequently can be a serious pest of orchards. Moving around in large flocks as seen here it can cause a lot of damage in a short time.

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling (winter plumage)

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Male Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling

Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Common Starling