Mary Allen
Introduction: the Starling bird
The Starling belongs to the family Sturnidae of the order Passeriformes. It is a small to medium-sized bird widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere. Starlings are known for their iridescent feathers, which can appear black or dark green depending on the light. They are also known for their melodious songs, which vary depending on the region.
Physical characteristics of the Starling
Starlings have unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other bird species. They have a short tail, a pointed beak, and a stout body. Their wings are pointed and triangular, allowing them to fly with agility and speed. Starlings also have sharp claws that they use for perching and foraging.
Size range of the Starling species
Starlings vary in size depending on the species and the region they are found in. The smallest species, the Seychelles Starling, is only 16 centimeters long, while the largest, the Bali Myna, can grow up to 25 centimeters long. In general, most Starlings fall within the range of 20 to 25 centimeters in length.
The weight of a Starling bird
Starlings are relatively lightweight birds, with most species weighing between 60 to 100 grams. The Bali Myna, which is the largest species, can weigh up to 130 grams. The Seychelles Starling, which is the smallest species, weighs only 28 grams.
The wingspan of the Starling bird
The wingspan of a Starling bird varies depending on the size of the species. The Seychelles Starling has a wingspan of around 24 centimeters, while the Bali Myna has a wingspan of around 35 centimeters. Most Starlings fall within the range of 27 to 31 centimeters in wingspan.
The body length of a Starling bird
The body length of a Starling bird varies depending on the species. The smallest species, the Seychelles Starling, is only 16 centimeters long, while the largest, the Bali Myna, can grow up to 25 centimeters long. Most Starlings fall within the range of 20 to 25 centimeters in length.
Comparison with other bird species
Compared to other bird species, Starlings are relatively small to medium-sized. They are larger than sparrows and finches but smaller than crows and ravens. They are also smaller than some other common backyard birds such as blue jays and cardinals.
Juvenile Starlings vs adult Starlings
Juvenile Starlings are smaller and less colorful than adult Starlings. They have brownish feathers with white speckles, while adult Starlings have iridescent feathers that can appear black or dark green. Juvenile Starlings also have a shorter beak and tail than adult Starlings.
Geographical variation in Starling size
There is some variation in the size of Starlings depending on the region they are found in. For example, the European Starling, which is found in Europe and parts of Asia, is larger than the Common Starling, which is found in Africa and parts of Asia.
Environmental factors affecting Starling size
Environmental factors can also affect the size of Starlings. For example, Starlings in colder regions tend to be larger than those in warmer regions. This is because larger birds tend to retain heat better than smaller birds. Food availability can also affect the size of Starlings, with those in areas with abundant food sources tending to be larger.
Conclusion: the size of the Starling bird
In conclusion, Starlings are small to medium-sized birds with unique physical characteristics. They vary in size depending on the species and the region they are found in. Most Starlings fall within the range of 20 to 25 centimeters in length and weigh between 60 to 100 grams. Juvenile Starlings are smaller and less colorful than adult Starlings, and environmental factors can also affect their size.
References and further reading
- Cornell Lab of Ornithology. (n.d.). European Starling. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/overview
- National Audubon Society. (n.d.). Bali Myna. https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/bali-myna
- RSPB. (n.d.). Common Starling. https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/starling/