Starlings have distinct physical advantages, giving them an edge on avian survival. They are stronger and more muscular than similar-sized birds and their beaks are remarkably effective. Most birds exert force when closing their mandibles, but special jaw muscles in the starling allow it to also open its bill forcibly. This action is easily observed when watching starlings as they feed on lawns. The bill springs open as the birds pry apart vegetation to get at insects, making them very successful at finding hidden bugs deep within the grass blades or just below the soil surface.
Starlings also have a visual capacity that is thought to have evolved along with their special beak.
As the bill opens, the eyes move forward toward each other, creating a binocular-type vision. This vision advantage allows starlings to find food more easily and also effectively evade predators. During nesting, starlings are attentive and protective parents. They're also much hardier than other bird species. Starlings can withstand heavy mite infestations in their nesting site without harm.