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Stocky and dark overall with short tail and triangular wings.
Not listed
At a glance
FamilyStarlings
SizeSmall
RarityCommon
HabitatClosed forest, Grassland, Open woodland, and Sparse woodland
Best timeMost reliable in South Australia from October to November.
Sounds
Sound sampleRecorded by Lennart Jeppsson
Range map
Range map
693visible hotspots
5550visible records
3states
SparseModerateDense hotspot
Aggregated occurance data is sourced from 14 different actively-updating datasets including eBird Australia, iNaturalist Australia, BirdLife Australia, and multiple state-based bird surveys through Atlas of Living Australia.
Species notes
Overview
A close look reveals beautiful plumage: in breeding season, look for purple and green iridescence and a yellow bill. In winter, shows extensive white and buffy spots over the entire body. Juveniles are plain grayish-brown; note bill shape. Native to Eurasia; introduced extensively across the globe. Makes a variety of squeaky vocalizations, and often mimics other species. Visits feeders, where it is often aggressive towards other birds.
Behavior
Often abundant, gathering in large flocks in open agricultural areas and towns and cities.
Gallery