Stormy, For Love of A Starling - Starling Info. This page is simply to provide some information about starlings to those of you who would like to learn more about them. Often called Common Starlings, they are native to western and central Europe. They were brought to the United States in the 1890's by a Shakespeare fan who wanted to introduce all the birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. The starlings were released into New York's Central Park, and they now range all across our continent and have increased prolifically in numbers.
Starlings are rather chunky birds, about eight inches long, with short square tails.
Their strong bills are pointed. They are glossy black birds with many of their body feathers showing an iridescent green and purple sheen. During the breeding season these birds have yellow bills and reddish legs. In the fall their back, head and wing feathers are edged with more of a tan color, and their beaks become blackish. At this time their body feathers are tipped with white, giving the birds a spotted appearance.