Starlings
Starlings have a beak-probing action that characterizes all starling
species world wide. They insert their beaks into cracks, crevices, the
ground, wherever, and pry. The shape of the open beak then allows the
bird to peer down between the upper and lower mandibles into the created
space in search for food. Caged starlings continue to do this behavior
[My common starling prizes holes through the newspaper on the cage floor
after she has wetted it with her bath. I often release mealworms and
such under the wire of her cage so that she can find them by prying the
newspaper holes...Burleigh]. Caged starlings often open the beak in the
air or against the perch. One starling would insert its beak between the
perch and the cage wire on which it sat, prying up on the perch with
the lower beak (head upside down), succeeding in lifting the perch and
itself on the perch. It is definitely an innate behavior. Because of
their ability to adapt to a variety of conditions, many species are on
the increase, especially around human habitation. Because of their wide
choice in foods they easily adapt to changes in their climates, and to
introduction in strange places. Various species have become pests
outside of their native land. The common, or European starling is
definitely a pest. Their presence pushes out native cavity nesters such
as bluebirds and woodpeckers. Starlings begin their breeding cycle very
early and have claim to available cavities before the other species,
which usually migrate, even arrive in spring. Starlings usually do not
dispossess cavities already occupied, so, if a diligent human can keep
the starling nest material out of the cavity, a migratory species can
claim it later. No reference was found as to whether superb or glossy
starlings have been introduced to other places.
» Length: superb - 7 inches; glossy - 20 in.
» Typical of starlings, the superb starling is a stout, medium sized bird (the glossy is slightly smaller, less robust) with a strong straight beak. Starlings have strong walking legs and feet. They are strong fliers. The glossy has quite a long tail, longer than its body length.
» Coloration: Most starling species are metallic black, with iridescence showing green, blue and purple. Areas of plumage not overlaid with iridescence are velvety black. The superb starling has a breast bordered by a thin white band, and the low breast and belly are chestnut. The eye is pale yellow. The glossy starling is quite iridescent, and all black, with bright yellow eyes
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