Feathers black, somewhat iridescent in spring. Heavily speckled in winter. Bill yellow in spring and summer, dark in winter.
Young birds are dusky brown.
Nests built in tree cavities or eaves of houses. Sometimes mimics the songs of other birds. Introduced from Eurasia and North Africa, where starlings are native. European starlings were first introduced, unsuccessfully, to the United States in 1872, in Cincinnati. Repeated attempts were made to introduce the birds, until they were successfully brought to New York City in 1900.