I am always a bit surprised the first time I see a starling in its winter feathers, after having gotten used to seeing them in their spring, summer, and fall dress code of a purple/black metallic sheen.

They are a noisy bird.

They are not native to the United States. My bird books says they were brought to New York City – from Europe – in 1890.

Their bill is black in winter and yellow in summer.

Though they are a very common bird, I find them to be rather pretty.

They can be a pesky bird, but I enjoy all birds – when they aren’t chasing others away from our feeders.