Skip to main content

Common starling(Sturnus vulgaris)

Explore the life of the Common Starling in the Indian subcontinent.common starling scientific name is Sturnus vulgaris.Learn about its behavior, diet, migration, habitat, and ecological impact.

Introduction

The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), also known simply as the European Starling, is one of the most adaptable and widespread birds in the world. Originally native to Europe and western Asia, this bird has now established populations in many parts of the globe, including the Indian subcontinent. Known for its iridescent plumage, synchronized flocking behavior (murmurations), and impressive vocal mimicry, the Common Starling is a bird that fascinates bird watchers and ornithologists alike.

In the Indian subcontinent, especially during the winter months, large flocks of starlings can be seen foraging in fields and roosting in urban trees. This blog explores the habitat, behavior, feeding patterns, seasonal presence, and ecological role of the Common Starling in the region.

common starling
Common starling

Classification and Physical Features

  • Scientific Name: Sturnus vulgaris

  • Family: Sturnidae

  • Order: Passeriformes

  • IUCN Status: Least Concern

The Common Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird measuring about 20 cm in length with a wingspan of 31–44 cm. Its plumage appears black at a distance, but up close it reveals a shimmering mix of greens and purples, particularly during the breeding season. The bird has a yellow beak (in breeding season), short tail, and triangular wings.

Habitat in the Indian Subcontinent

The Common Starling is mostly seen in northern India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh during the winter months. While it is not a native resident in most parts of the region, it arrives as a winter migrant and can be spotted from October to March.

Preferred Habitats:

  • Open agricultural fields

  • Grasslands and pastures

  • Urban parks and gardens

  • Wetland edges and village outskirts

They are highly gregarious and can often be found in mixed-species flocks with mynas and other starlings, especially when foraging.

Migratory Behavior

The presence of the Common Starling in the Indian subcontinent is mainly due to seasonal migration. Birds from Eastern Europe, Russia, and Central Asia migrate southward to escape the harsh winters and find better feeding grounds. The Indian subcontinent provides abundant resources and milder weather, making it an ideal wintering ground.

These starlings form large roosts at night, which may include thousands of individuals. These gatherings are known for their spectacular murmurations, where hundreds or thousands of birds fly in coordinated, fluid patterns.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Common Starlings are omnivorous and opportunistic feeders. Their diet in the Indian subcontinent includes:

  • Insects: beetles, grasshoppers, caterpillars, ants

  • Fruits and Berries: figs, dates, guavas, and cultivated fruit

  • Seeds and Grains: rice, wheat, millet from farmlands

  • Human Waste: food scraps from urban areas

Their diet can sometimes lead to conflicts with farmers, especially when they feed on standing crops or stored grain.

Breeding Behavior

The Common Starling does not usually breed in the Indian subcontinent. Their breeding grounds are primarily in Europe and temperate Asia, where they nest in tree cavities, building crevices, or artificial nest boxes.

However, on rare occasions, local breeding behavior may be observed in northern India during extended stays or favorable environmental conditions. When breeding, both males and females participate in nest building, incubation, and feeding the chicks.

Vocalizations and Mimicry

Starlings are exceptionally vocal birds. They produce a wide range of sounds including whistles, clicks, and warbles. One of their most fascinating traits is their ability to mimic the calls of other bird species and even man-made sounds like car alarms or mobile ringtones.

In the Indian subcontinent, their vocal abilities allow them to blend in well with other common species like the Common Myna, House Crow, and Drongos.

Ecological Importance

The Common Starling plays several roles in the ecosystem:

  • Pest Control: By feeding on insects and larvae, they help reduce agricultural pests.

  • Seed Dispersal: Consumption and excretion of seeds assist in plant regeneration.

  • Flock Indicators: Large flocks can indicate changes in the ecosystem or agricultural cycles.

However, in large numbers, they can become nuisance birds, especially in cities and farms where they damage crops or create noisy roosts.

Conservation Status

According to the IUCN Red List, the Common Starling is classified as Least Concern, due to its wide range and large population. However, some populations in western Europe have seen declines due to changes in agriculture and habitat loss.

In the Indian subcontinent, where they are winter visitors, no major threats have been recorded. Their adaptability to urban areas and varied diet ensure they thrive in a wide range of environments.

Cultural and Social Significance

While not as culturally prominent in India as native species like the Peacock or Koel, the starling is often observed and admired by birdwatchers for its beautiful murmuration displays and glistening plumage.

In some rural parts, farmers use traditional noise-making tools to scare starlings away from crops, highlighting the complex human-bird interaction.

Photography and Birdwatching Tips

  • Visit wetlands and agricultural fields during the early morning or late afternoon in winter.

  • Use binoculars with a wide field of view to observe flocks.

  • DSLR or mirrorless cameras with telephoto lenses (300mm+) are ideal for capturing murmuration.

  • Always approach roosting sites quietly to avoid disturbing the flock.

Top locations in the Indian subcontinent include:

  • Keoladeo National Park (Bharatpur, Rajasthan)

  • Harike Wetlands (Punjab)

  • Yamuna Biodiversity Park (Delhi)

  • Sundarbans region (West Bengal)

  • Chitwan Valley (Nepal)

Conclusion

The Common Starling is a dazzling, intelligent, and highly social bird that brings color and life to the Indian subcontinent’s winter skies. Its adaptability to various habitats and impressive mimicry make it one of the most captivating migratory birds to observe. Whether you're a seasoned birder or a casual nature lover, witnessing a murmuration or listening to a starling’s chorus can be a truly unforgettable experience.

As we continue to alter our landscapes and ecosystems, it’s essential to understand and appreciate the roles these birds play and find sustainable ways to coexist.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Bar-headed goose

  The bar-headed goose is a fascinating species known for its incredible migratory feats. It's often considered one of the world's highest-flying birds, capable of reaching altitudes of up to 29,000 feet (8,800 meters) during its migration over the Himalayas. These geese breed in Central Asia and migrate over the Himalayas to wintering grounds in the Indian subcontinent. Physical Characteristics: Size: They are typically around 71-76 centimeters (28-30 inches) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 127 to 142 centimeters (50 to 56 inches). Coloration: Adults have a distinctive appearance with a white head, neck, and underparts, while the back and wings are a pale gray-brown color. They have black bars or stripes across their chest and neck, which give them their name. Bill: The bill is relatively short and orange-yellow in color. Legs and Feet: Their legs and webbed feet are orange-yellow. Behavior and Adaptations: Migration:   Bar-headed geese are renowned for their extraord...
Post a Comment
Read more

what does munia bird eat

what does munia bird eat The Munia bird, a small finch-like creature, sustains itself primarily on a diet of seeds. In its natural habitat, it forages for a variety of seeds, such as millet, canary grass, and other wild grass seeds. Its beak is adept at cracking open these seeds, providing it with essential nutrients and energy. During breeding season, Munias may supplement their diet with insects and green vegetation to meet the increased nutritional demands for raising their offspring. Whether in the wild or in captivity, Munias thrive on a seed-rich diet, occasionally incorporating insects and greens for added nourishment.
Post a Comment
Read more

Bank Myna

  The bank myna, also known as the common myna or Indian myna, is a bird species native to Asia. It's known for its adaptability and intelligence, often found in urban and suburban areas.  Appearance: Size: Bank mynas typically measure about 23 to 26 centimeters (9 to 10 inches) in length. Coloration: Their plumage is mostly brown with a glossy sheen, especially on the head and upperparts. The wings and tail are darker brown, while the underside is paler. They have a distinctive yellow patch of bare skin around their eyes, and their legs and beak are also yellow. Head: The head is black, contrasting sharply with the rest of the body. Their eyes are dark and prominent. Sexual Dimorphism:   Males and females generally have similar appearances, with no significant differences in plumage coloration. Behavior and Habits: Vocalizations: Bank mynas are highly vocal birds, capable of producing a wide range of calls and sounds. Their calls include whistles, squawks, and chattering...
Post a Comment
Read more