European Starling

Start with these clues

Look for a short tail and pointed wings; fresh plumage can be heavily spotted.

Relative size

Medium

Look around

Lawn, Buildings, Trees

Region and season

Widespread in settled areas.

Compare carefully

Common Grackle has a much longer tail.

A photograph shows one individual and one view. Check several features, the date and a regional guide before settling on an identification.

Read the Audubon species account for fuller range, behavior and identification context.