The European Starling Winter Spangles

Lined up in characteristic social formation on a wire against a clear blue sky are four European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris),…

Lined up in characteristic social formation on a wire against a clear blue sky are four European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), exhibiting their non-breeding, or winter, plumage. This coat is distinguished by the dense, white or pale buff spangling that covers their otherwise glossy black bodies, creating a speckled appearance, which will wear off by spring. The birds’ heads are slightly turned, showing their sharp, dark eyes and their strong, pointed, dark bills. Their upright, assertive posture on the slender perch perfectly encapsulates the gregarious and highly adaptable nature of this species, often found congregating in large, noisy groups across farmlands and urban centers throughout Europe and Asia.