Bird of the Month – July 2025

This small to medium glossy black bird of agricultural areas, towns, and cities of South-east Australia is familiar and abundant. It has a sharp bill, flat crown, short tail, and an upright stance.

They are gregarious and can be seen in flocks of up to 1000s in autumn-winter. Their group flying is spectacular and is called a murmuration. Each bird in a big flock only focusses on the four or five birds nearby so there are never any crashes.

Fresh plumage in autumn results in a black body covered with white speckles which fade with wear to a more uniform black. An introduced bird, it is often seen singing from an exposed perch. They have a remarkable sequence of whistles and complex song including mimicry. It is worth googling “starling human mimicry” to see them in action. They are considered a pest as they nest in building cavities and tree hollows. They can be very attractive in bright sunlight.