Common Starling

Sturnus vulgaris

(S. v. caucasicus, S. v. purpurascens)

Armenian Name:	Սովորական սայրակ

See Plate 58 for Common Starling and other similar species

Resident Status:	Year-round resident
Abundance:	Common
Length:	21.5 cm, Wing Span:37-42 cm
Distribution Map:	Map 336.
Adult:	Blackish showing purple and green gloss in sunlight.
Adult (Breeding):	Male has bluish base to yellow bill; female has pink bill base.
Adult (Non-breeding):	Both sexes have extensive pale spots overall and dull yellowish bills.
Juvenile:	Dull brown-gray overall with blackish bill, lores, and legs. Pale edges to upperwing feathers.
Similar Species:	Juvenile Rose-coloured Starling.
Behavior:	Gregarious outside breeding season.
Habitat:	Widespread; usually close to towns and villages.
Food:	Invertebrates, fruit.
Nest:	Cup of grass and trash in cavity of tree, cliff, or building.
Eggs:	30 mm, 3-7, pale blue.