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The
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a passerine bird
in the family Sturnidae. This starling is native to most
of Eurasia, but has been introduced to South Africa, North
America, Australia and New Zealand. This adaptable and
omnivorous species has proved to be a pest in several
of these countries. In Western Australia, which is starling-free,
the government pays full-time hunters to patrol the border
and shoot starlings as they arrive. It is resident in
southern and western Europe, but migrates from colder
regions to these areas, and further south to Iberia (where
it does not breed) and north Africa. The Starling is catholic
in its choice of habitats, and can be found in any reasonable
open environment from farmland to saltmarsh. These birds
will eat almost anything, including farmland invertebrates
and berries. This is a highly gregarious species, forming
huge flocks in winter, and providing a spectacular sight
as they descend into evening reed-bed roosts, often attracting
birds of prey. |
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The
Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a passerine bird
in the family Sturnidae. This starling is native to most
of Eurasia, but has been introduced to South Africa, North
America, Australia and New Zealand. This adaptable and
omnivorous species has proved to be a pest in several
of these countries. In Western Australia, which is starling-free,
the government pays full-time hunters to patrol the border
and shoot starlings as they arrive. It is resident in
southern and western Europe, but migrates from colder
regions to these areas, and further south to Iberia (where
it does not breed) and north Africa. The Starling is catholic
in its choice of habitats, and can be found in any reasonable
open environment from farmland to saltmarsh. These birds
will eat almost anything, including farmland invertebrates
and berries. This is a highly gregarious species, forming
huge flocks in winter, and providing a spectacular sight
as they descend into evening reed-bed roosts, often attracting
birds of prey. |
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