Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a highly adaptable bird known for its striking metallic plumage and complex vocalizations. Originally native to Europe and Asia, it has been introduced to North America, where it plays a dual role in agriculture by both controlling pest populations and occasionally causing damage to crops.
🇫🇷 | Étourneau sansonnet |
🇩🇪 | Gemeiner Star |
🇲🇽 | Estornino pinto |
Taxonomy | |
Order | Passeriformes |
Family | Sturnidae |
How to Identify
The Common Starling is characterized by its dark, bluish-green metallic plumage adorned with white spots. It is typically observed in small flocks within local parks, often perched atop trees or foraging on the ground.
Click on photo to enlarge.
Characteristics
Length | 19-23cm |
Weight | 11.8-13.8g |
Wingspan | 31-44cm |
Clutch Size | 3-6 eggs |
Incubation | 12 days |
Fledging | 21-23 days |
Sexual Maturity | 1 year |
Source | Wikipedia |
Where and When to Spot
The Common Starling can be observed from early spring to late autumn in various parks throughout Montreal.
Observation Records by Park and Season
Location | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter |
---|---|---|---|---|
Champ des Possibles | x | - | - | - |
Parc Angrignon | x | x | - | - |
Parc Michel-Chartrand | x | - | - | - |
Parc de la Frayère | x | - | - | - |
Parc des Rapides, Lachine | x | x | - | - |
"x" indicates the species was observed, while "-" indicates no observation. Lack of observation doesn't necessarily imply that the species is absent. Data is derived from our park visit journals.