Sturnus

Star Sturnus vulgaris

Black Starling in Eastern Siberia

Toulouse - Sturnus vulgaris - 2012-02-26 - 3

Estornino Negro. Casa de Campo. Madrid (3)

Sturnus is a genus of birds in the starling family, Sturnidae. The genus was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in 1758 in the tenth edition of his Systema Naturae. The type species is the European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Members of this genus are small to medium-sized birds, characterized by their strong feet, pointed wings, and short tails. They are known for their glossy plumage, which is often speckled with white at certain times of the year. Starlings in the Sturnus genus are highly gregarious and are known for their remarkable ability to mimic a wide range of sounds.

Description

Starlings of the genus Sturnus exhibit a high degree of variation in size and plumage but share common morphological features that define the genus. They typically have strong, straight bills that are slightly flattened at the base, suitable for their omnivorous diet. Their flight is strong and direct, aided by their pointed wings. The tail is short and square, contributing to their agile flight capabilities.

Habitat and Distribution

Sturnus species are found across a wide range of habitats, including open fields, forests, and urban areas. They are adaptable birds that can thrive in a variety of environments, from rural countryside to densely populated cities. The genus has a broad distribution, with species found throughout Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. The European Starling, for example, has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand, where it has become a successful invasive species.

Behavior

Members of the Sturnus genus are social birds, often seen in large flocks outside the breeding season. They exhibit complex social behaviors, including communal roosting and cooperative foraging. Starlings are also known for their impressive mimicry skills, capable of imitating a wide range of sounds from their environment, including the calls of other bird species.

Diet

The diet of Sturnus species is varied and includes insects, fruits, seeds, and human-provided food sources. Their ability to exploit a wide range of food types is one reason for their success in diverse environments.

Reproduction

Starlings are monogamous birds that often reuse the same nesting sites year after year. They nest in cavities, which can be natural or man-made, including bird boxes and holes in buildings. The female typically lays four to six eggs, which are incubated for about two weeks before hatching.

Conservation

While some species within the Sturnus genus are abundant and have adapted well to human-altered landscapes, others face threats from habitat loss and degradation. The European Starling is considered a pest in some of its introduced ranges due to its impact on native bird species and agriculture.

Species

The genus Sturnus includes several species, among them the well-known European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris). Other species include the Spotless Starling (Sturnus unicolor), found in the Iberian Peninsula and North Africa, and the Rosy Starling (Sturnus roseus), which breeds in eastern Europe and central Asia.