The European Starling was introduced to New York's Central Park in 1890 by Eugene Schieffelin, who reportedly wanted to introduce all birds mentioned by Shakespeare; today over 200 million starlings inhabit North America. The iridescent black plumage is spangled with white spots in winter that wear away by spring. Massive winter murmurations — wheeling clouds of thousands of birds — are one of nature's most spectacular aerial displays.
Best time to see a European Starling
The best time to see a European Starling is February–June, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 126,748 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a European Starling? What bird is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent European Starling sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an European Starling?
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