Definition

Noun: 1. A gregarious bird species (Sturnus vulgaris): A medium-sized songbird characterized by its highly social nature, iridescent black plumage with a distinctive metallic sheen (often appearing purple or green in certain light), and pale speckles. It is known for its adaptability, often nesting in cavities in buildings and other human structures, and has been introduced to many regions beyond its native range, becoming widespread globally.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • A large flock of common starlings created a mesmerizing murmuration over the field.
  • The common starling is often considered an invasive species in North America.
  • We could hear the common starlings chattering noisily on the telephone wires.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Context: The term is often used in discussions about invasive species, avian ecology, and the impact of introduced animals on native ecosystems.
  • The rapid spread of the common starling has had a documented negative impact on some native cavity-nesting birds.

Variants and Related Words

• Starling (n): The more general, common name for the bird. "Common starling" is the full, specific name for this particular species.
  • While all common starlings are starlings, not all starlings are common starlings (e.g., the spotless starling).
• European starling (n): Another widely used name for the same species (), emphasizing its native range.

Synonyms

• European starling (n): The most direct synonym.
• Sturnus vulgaris (n): The scientific (Latin) name for the species.

Related Phrases

• Starling murmuration: Refers to the breathtaking, coordinated flight patterns of massive flocks of starlings.
  • We went to the coast to watch the starling murmuration at dusk.

Noun

1. gregarious bird having plumage with dark metallic gloss; builds nests around dwellings and other structures; naturalized worldwide