Sturnus vulgaris
Towns, lawns, and farm fields across most of the continent. An introduced species. Small walking track, similar to a blackbird.
What does a european starling look like?
Short-tailed, dark, with a yellow bill in summer and white spots in winter.
What do european starling tracks look like?
A small walking print. Starlings walk on lawns in tight flocks.
- Small walking track, similar to a blackbird
- Short tail and a long yellow bill in summer if seen
- Speckled in winter
- Often a large flock
- Whitewash under a cavity nest
What does european starling poop look like?
Droppings under a nest hole in a building or tree, and whitewash where a flock roosts. Do not handle droppings. Several species carry parasites that stay in the soil around a latrine.
Where you find it
Towns, lawns, and farm fields across most of the continent. An introduced species. Typical places: yard, field. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
What to do next
- Watch from a distance
- Do not approach a nest
- If a bird is injured, call a local wildlife rehabilitator
This page is a field guide, not a permit to approach wildlife. If an animal is injured, aggressive, or inside a house, call a local wildlife officer.
Animals it is confused with
- Common grackle identification
- Red-winged blackbird identification
- All animal identification pages
- Identify an animal from a photo, track, or description
What does a starling look like?
A short-tailed dark bird. Yellow bill in summer. White spots in winter.
How to tell a european starling from similar animals
Use the track, the dropping, and the place together. One print is not enough.
- Common grackle. A walking print larger than a starling. Lanky blackbird with a long tail and a pale eye.
- Red-winged blackbird. A small blackbird print in marsh mud. Male black with a red epaulet.
European starling field marks
- Small walking track, similar to a blackbird
- Short tail and a long yellow bill in summer if seen
- Speckled in winter
- Often a large flock
Where the sign shows up
Towns, lawns, and farm fields across most of the continent. An introduced species. Typical places: yard, field. Year-round in much of the range. Some move south for winter.
A small walking print. Starlings walk on lawns in tight flocks. Droppings under a nest hole in a building or tree, and whitewash where a flock roosts.
Common questions
What does a starling look like?
A short-tailed dark bird. Yellow bill in summer. White spots in winter.