Starlings gather noisily on bushes and are seen throughout the year. As winter approaches our resident population is augmented by migrant birds from mainland Europe. The Starling has dull winter plumage with white spots. The bills darken as winter approaches. They search for invertebates in short grassland and particularly like to feed on cranefly larvae. There is safety in numbers and an individual bird is less likely to be picked off by a predator when part of a large group. Spectacular aerial displays known as murmurations contain hundreds of Starlings. In some countries groups can contain up to five million birds. The sound of multiple wingbeats creates a low continuous background murmer - hence 'murmeration'. Starlings have excellent flying skills and are able to participate in these large groups without bumping into each other.

© Raymond Small TQ4792 04/09/2023

© Raymond Small TQ4792 31/10/2017

© Raymond Small TQ4792 11/09/2022

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© Raymond Small TQ4792 10/09/2023

© Raymond Small TQ4792 10/09/2023

© Raymond Small TQ4792 10/09/2023