Pic of the Day

European Starling, Sturnus vulgaris:  Viera Wetlands, Vera Florida

     The European Starling, as the name suggest, is not an endemic bird to North America.  Its native range is throughout Europe and western Asia.  This starling was introduced to North America in the 1800’s.  It has also been introduced in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.  The Starling has been declining in parts of northern and western Europe since the 1980’s due to loss of grassland invertebrates which are a valuable food for chicks.

     Here in the state we often think of the European Starling being a “trash” bird, as they displace native cavity nesting birds during the breeding season.  However, the European Starling is a quite attractive bird with its iridescent purple crown and nape, green breast and spotted back and underside.

Nikon D800, Nikkor 500mm f4, 1/1000 second @ f7.1