Starlings are known for their loud voices, cause damage, and are often exterminated. What kind of bird? We will explain its characteristics, ecology, and habitat. It has irregular white spots around the eyes and cheeks, making it a very distinctive bird. This bird can be seen not only in Japan, but also in the Korean Peninsula and China, so it is possible to observe large numbers in these areas.
What is a starling? About basic status
Starlings are birds of the order Passeriformes and of the family Starlingidae. The scientific name is Sturnus cineraceus, and the kanji is Mukudori, Baekduo. The list of information is as follows.
| Japanese（和名） | ムクドリ |
| English（英名） | White-cheeked Starling |
| scientific name(学名) | Sturnus cineraceus |
| classification（分類） | Ave、 Passeriformes、Sturnidae、Sturnus 鳥綱、スズメ目、ムクドリ科、フクロウオウム属 |
| IUCN Status(保全状況) | LEAST CONCERN |
| Length（全長） | 24cm |
| Weight（体重） | 0.5kg |
About habitat
Starlings live in Japan, the Korean Peninsula, and China.
feature is? What kind of creature is it?
The starling’s body is blackish brown, and its head is grayish blackish brown. The most distinctive feature is irregular white spots around the eyes and cheeks. It is a resident bird that is distributed almost throughout Japan, and tends to migrate to the south in winter. This bird can be seen in farmlands, wetlands, and grasslands.
What does the ecology look like?
Starlings are omnivorous, subsisting on plant seeds, fruits, and even insects. The breeding season is from spring to summer, when they often build nests in holes such as under the eaves of houses. When the chicks leave the nest, both parent and offspring gather together to form a flock. The lifespan is 10 to 20 years.
Are there any natural enemies?
Natural enemies include goshawks, black hawks, and owls.
Are starlings an endangered species?
Starlings are not an endangered species; in fact, their overbreeding often causes problems such as the noise they make and the damage caused by their droppings. It has been designated as a game bird in Japan since 1994. Depending on the time of year, you can hear their cries in large numbers, so some local governments are taking measures to repel them.
Can starlings be kept as pets?
Starlings can be difficult to raise. In Japan, they were originally a beneficial bird that ate insects that harmed crops, but they often become pests and cause trouble to neighbors. If you are a farmer, this may be recommended.
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