In contrast to this, African species are more likely to be found in open woodlands and savannah 33 species are open area specialists compared to 13 true forest species. Īsian species are most common in evergreen forests 39 species found in Asia are predominantly forest birds as opposed to 24 found in more open or human modified environments. It is also a species of this genus that is the only starling found in northern Australia. The genus Aplonis has also spread widely across the islands of the Pacific reaching Polynesia, Melanesia and Micronesia (in addition one species in the genus Mino has reached the Solomon Islands ). The family is naturally absent from the Americas and from large parts of Australia but is present over the majority of Europe, Africa, and Asia. In fact, the only habitat they do not typically occupy is the driest sandy deserts. Starlings inhabit a wide range of habitats from the Arctic Circle to the Equator. Distribution, habitat and movements Ĭhestnut-tailed starling is a partial migrant over much of the east of its range, but its movements are poorly understood The irises of many species are red and yellow, although those of younger birds are much darker. These colours can be derived from pigments, or, as in the Bali starling, structural colour, caused by light scattering off parallel collagen fibers. Other ornamentation includes elongated tail feathers and brightly coloured bare areas on the face. Some species of Asian starling have crests or erectile feathers on the crest. The plumage of the starling is often brightly coloured due to iridescence this colour is derived from the structure of the feathers, not from any pigment. There is less sexual dimorphism in plumage, however, with only 25 species showing such differences between the two sexes. The longest species in the family is the white-necked myna ( Streptocitta albicollis), which can measure up to 50 cm ( 19 + 1⁄ 2 in), although around 60% in this magpie-like species is comprised by its very long tail. Rivaling the prior species in bulk if not dimensions, the mynas of the genus Mino are also large, especially the yellow-faced ( M. This species can measure up to 36 cm (14 in) and, in domestication they can weigh up to 400 g (14 oz). The largest starling, going on standard measurements and perhaps weight, is the Nias hill myna ( Gracula robusta). The shortest-bodied species is Kenrick's starling ( Poeoptera kenricki), at 15 cm (6 in), but the lightest-weight species is Abbott's starling ( Poeoptera femoralis), which is 34 g ( 1 + 1⁄ 4 oz). Ĭommon starling ( Sturnus vulgaris) has iridescent plumage The birds can recognize particular individuals by their calls and are the subject of research into the evolution of human language. Starlings have diverse and complex vocalizations and have been known to embed sounds from their surroundings into their own calls, including car alarms and human speech patterns. Most species nest in holes and lay blue or white eggs. Plumage of many species is typically dark with a metallic sheen. Many species search for prey such as grubs by "open-bill probing", that is, forcefully opening the bill after inserting it into a crevice, thus expanding the hole and exposing the prey this behaviour is referred to by the German verb zirkeln (pronounced ). Several species live around human habitation and are effectively omnivores. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Starlings have strong feet, their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. The starling species familiar to most people in Europe and North America is the common starling, and throughout much of Asia and the Pacific, the common myna is indeed common. Several European and Asian species have been introduced to these areas as well as North America, Hawaii and New Zealand, where they generally compete for habitats with native birds and are considered to be invasive species. Starlings are native to Europe, Asia and Africa, as well as northern Australia and the islands of the tropical Pacific. Many Asian species, particularly the larger ones, are called mynas, and many African species are known as glossy starlings because of their iridescent plumage. The name "Sturnidae" comes from the Latin word for starling, sturnus. Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturnidae. For other uses, see Starling (disambiguation).
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