The Starling reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Jul-2004
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Starling

A newer version of this article is available: see Starling at Schools Wikipedia
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Starlings
Metallic Starling

Metallic Starling
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Passeriformes
Family*:Sturnidae
Genera
Aplonis
Poeoptera
Grafisia
Onychognathus
Lamprotornis
Aplonis
Aplonis
Cinnyricinclus
Speculipastor
Neochicla
Spreo
Cosmoparus
Sarroglossa
Creatophora
Fregilupus (extinct)
Sturnus
Leucopsar
Basilornis
Streptocitta
Sarcops
Scissirostrum
* See also Myna, Oxpecker
Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturndidae. Starlings occur naturally only in the Old World, some forms as far east as Australia, but several European and Asian species have been introduced to North America and Australia; the Common Starling is a serious pest in both continents.


They are medium-sized passerines with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Several species live around habitation, and are effectively omnivores.

Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. Most species nest in holes, laying blue or white eggs.

Many Asian species, particularly the larger ones, are called mynas, and the members of the African genus Lamprotornis are known as glossy starlings because of their iridescent plumage. The two species of Buphagus are called oxpeckers.

Species list:

Image:Starling.jpg

Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens