Identification - This bird is larger than a sparrow but smaller than a robin. It is a compact, stocky, glossy black bird with a short, squared tail, pointed wings, and a longish bill. In breeding season the starling's head, back, and breast show a purple-greenish iridescence. From mid-summer through winter it changes its plumage to show many small white spots. In spring its bill is yellow; in winter it is dark. Young starlings are uniformly gray-brown.
Morsels - The European Starling is not native to North America. The bird was introduced into New York City in 1890 and 1891 when 60 individuals were released into Central Park. From that handful of birds the North American population has grown to 200 million starlings now distributed across most of the continent. The starling was able to spread so quickly because it is a very adaptable bird. It is very aggressive in claiming nesting cavities, forcing many native cavity nesters to abandon their holes. It is also prolific, raising two or three broods a year.
