Thursday, January 22, 2009

Birds of Cape Verde 3 - Common Starling (Sturnus Vulgaris)

The encyclopaedia Britannica describes the Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) as a 20-centimetre (8-inch) chunky iridescent black bird with a long sharp bill. It was introduced from Europe and Asia to most parts of the world (with the exception of South America). Other sources add that the tail is short and square, the body is stocky, and the wings are short, broad-based, and pointed. Immature starlings are gray-brown above, paler below with some white on the throat and belly, and a brown bill. As you walk about Ponta Bicuda you should listen out for a series of musical whistles they use, as well other notes which have been described as coarse, harsh and squeaky. But be ware as they are masterful at imitating the calls of other birds, such as the bobwhite, killdeer, eastern wood pewee, and eastern meadowlark. Starlings typically do not hop but walk.

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