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European Starling Identification

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The Four Keys to ID

  • Size & Shape

    Starlings are chunky and blackbird-sized, but with short tails and long, slender beaks. In flight their wings are short and pointed, making them look rather like small, four-pointed stars (and giving them their name).

    Relative Size

    Nearly twice the size of a House Sparrow; smaller than an American Robin

    Relative Sizerobin sizedrobin-sized

    Measurements
    • Both Sexes
      • Length: 7.9-9.1 in (20-23 cm)
      • Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz (60-96 g)
      • Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in (31-40 cm)

    Shape of the European Starling© Ryan Schain / Macaulay Library