Common starling

The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a glossy, speckled passerine native to Europe and western Asia. Introduced populations occur across much of the world, where the species is known for noisy flocks and vocal mimicry.

Sturnus vulgaris: The scientific name of the common starling, a medium-sized passerine in the family Sturnidae. This species name identifies the bird discussed on this page.
Collective animal behavior: Group-level patterns that emerge from interactions among animals following local rules. A murmuration forms through interactions among flockmates rather than a single leader.
Europe: A continent that forms the western part of the Eurasian landmass. Much of the common starling’s native range lies across Europe.
Introduced species: A species transported by humans beyond its native geographic range. Common starling populations beyond Europe and western Asia began through human introductions.
Biodiversity loss: A decline in the variety of genes, species, or ecosystems in a region or worldwide. Competition from introduced starlings is one pressure on some native cavity-nesting birds.
Passerine: A bird in the order Passeriformes, whose members have feet adapted for perching. The common starling belongs to the largest order of living birds.
Starling roost: A communal resting site where starlings gather, often in large numbers. Communal roosts concentrate birds after daytime feeding and produce conspicuous evening flights.
Western Asia: The western region of Asia, adjoining Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. The species is also native to parts of western Asia.
Agricultural pest: An organism that damages crops or reduces agricultural production. Large flocks can consume fruit and grain and damage crops.
Cavity-nesting bird: A bird that nests in a hole in a tree, cliff, or structure. Starlings compete with other cavity nesters for limited nesting sites.

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