Adult males and females are abaut 21.5 cm long. The pluxnage is blackish with a green and purple iridescence, especially in summer. Pale spots seen in winter fade away by spring.
Juveniles are dull brown in summer but moult in autumn to adult plumage.
Starlings are distinguishable from blackbirds at all times by their shorter tails and triangular shape of wings in flight. Their chattering mimicing song often sounds like several birds and can imitate other species. Biology Starlings build a substantial nest, mainly of grasses, in cavities in trees and buildings, and readily take to suitable nest boxes. Usually 4 eggs are laid and incubated by the fernale for 12- 13 days. While breeding, the parents roost in, or close to, their nest site.