Pictures property of Fernbank Science Center

• Pointed bill-yellow for most of year, dark in fall
• Black plumage with green and purple iridescence
• White spots scattered about head and body
• Pointed wings
• Short, square tail

Habitat

During breeding season, starlings require holes for nesting, as well as open fields for feeding. The usual nesting sites are holes and crevices in trees, buildings, and rooftops. Starlings also plunder other birds' nests and use them as their own. 

Status

European starlings are non-native birds that are displacing native cavity-nesting birds.  They are commonly seen in large flocks in suburban and rural areas.