The Shimmering Starling: A Colorful Avian Intruder

The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), commonly known as the Purple - Winged Starling, is a medium - sized bird that has made a significant mark in the avian world. Measuring around 19 - 23 centimeters in length, it boasts a remarkable appearance that varies with the seasons.

In its non - breeding plumage, the starling's black feathers are speckled with numerous white spots, giving it a starry - night - like look. As the breeding season approaches, these spots gradually wear away, revealing a sleek, iridescent coat of black, purple, and green. This change in appearance is unique among birds, achieved not through molting but rather a "wear molt" process. Their beaks also transform; they are black in winter, transitioning to a bright yellow in summer. Males and females are similar in appearance, with the main difference being the color of their irises - males have dark brown, while females have gray.

Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, the Purple - Winged Starling has spread far and wide. It has been introduced to North America, Australia, and New Zealand. These adaptable birds thrive in a diverse range of habitats, from urban areas and farmlands to grasslands and woodlands. They are highly social, often seen in large flocks, especially outside the breeding season. Their synchronized aerial displays, known as murmurations, are a sight to behold, with thousands of birds moving in harmony, confusing predators and creating an awe - inspiring spectacle.

The starling is an omnivore, with a diet that includes insects, worms, seeds, fruits, and grains. They are opportunistic feeders, often raiding crops and orchards. During the breeding season, which starts in early spring and lasts through late summer, they build nests in cavities, using grass, twigs, and feathers. Females lay 4 - 6 pale blue eggs, which hatch after about 12 days of incubation. Both parents take turns feeding the chicks until they fledge, around 21 days later. Despite being a species of "least concern" on the conservation scale, their aggressive nature and competition with native bird species for resources have raised concerns in some areas.