Starling

A starling is a type of bird belonging to the family Sturnidae, known for its iridescent plumage, gregarious nature, and varied vocalizations, including mimicking sounds. They are typically medium-sized, with a stout body, pointed wings, and a short tail. Starlings are highly adaptable birds, found in diverse habitats worldwide, and are often associated with urban environments due to their ability to thrive in human-altered landscapes. They can form enormous flocks, called murmurations, which provide both protection from predators and a communal roosting site. Their diet consists of insects, seeds, and fruits, making them important components of various ecosystems, though they can be considered agricultural pests in some regions due to the damage they inflict on crops.

Starling meaning with examples

• The park echoed with the chatter of a flock of starlings, their black feathers shimmering in the afternoon sun. They flitted from the branches of the old oak tree, a constant flurry of activity, searching for insects amongst the leaves. Their combined calls were reminiscent of squeaky hinges, and high pitches, creating a peculiar symphony of everyday life in the busy city park.
• During the autumn migration, the sky was filled with a vast murmuration of starlings, their synchronized movements painting breathtaking patterns against the sunset. The sheer number of birds, spiraling and swirling, provided an awe-inspiring spectacle to all observers. Watching the performance provides a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, and its ability to impress with its majesty.
• The farmer sighed as he surveyed his field, noticing the damage from a recent incursion of starlings feasting on his ripening corn. They have caused problems in this area and in areas worldwide, becoming an agricultural pest, and necessitating strategies for pest control. The birds often descend en masse, causing substantial losses to harvests, leading to efforts to scare them away.
• The child, captivated by the sounds outside, mimicked the starling's whistle, a feat that surprised his parents, who had never noticed the bird before. The starling's talent for vocal mimicry, which gave the child the idea to perform the mimicry, is one of its more astonishing traits. The bird seems to copy other birds and even the sound of human speech in certain circumstances.