This little plush European Starling is
made by Wild Republic and is part of their
Audubon Bird series. Check the Gift
Shop to see if there are any European Starlings in stock.
The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
is an 8 inch long black songbird. The bill, long and pointed,
is yellow in summer and dark in fall and winter. The plumage
is flecked with white in winter but iridescent in spring.
The voice is a series of whistles and discordant,
squeaky and rasping notes. It has been known to mimic other birds.
You'll find the Starling in a variety of
habitats from cities, to farms and suburban areas. It is found
throughout the USA, parts of Alaska, Canada and Mexico. Originally
from Eurasia. It feeds on insects, seeds and berries. It is considered
a pest when huge flocks of these birds damage crops of fruits
and vegetables.
The nest is made of twigs and grass and
lined with plant matter and feathers. It is found in tree or
building cavities. The 5 to 7 eggs are pale blue. The incubation
period is from 12 to 13 days.
Order: Passeriformes | Family:
Sturnidae | Species: Sturnus vulgaris
