Abundant

I am going to use the word “abundant” to describe the European Starling.

1-DSC_7062We rarely think of the starling as a beautiful bird, but I rather like their pretty speckled, winter coat of feathers.

2-DSC_7063First brought to North America by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the nineteenth century, European Starlings are now among the continent’s most numerous songbirds.

Successfully introduced in Central Park, New York, 1890–91; across continent by late 1940s. Population currently exceeds 200 million.

3-DSC_7064Though they’re sometimes resented for their abundance and aggressiveness, they’re still dazzling birds when you get a good look.

4-DSC_7065Covered in white spots during winter, they turn dark and glossy in summer. For much of the year, they wheel through the sky and mob lawns in big, noisy flocks.

5-DSC_7066Starlings are relatives of the mynah birds, and like them they have impressive vocal abilities and a gift for mimicry.

6-DSC_7068Widespread and abundant in much of North America, they are arguably and problematically the most successful bird on the continent.