Sturnus vulgaris - The common starling

First saw this bird few days ago in the morning. I thought it was a black bird when I was taking picture and pay much attention to it. Later on when I zoomed into my picture, I was surprised to see the beautiful feather on it's back.

Since then, I have been looking for this bird, wanting to take a good and clear picture.

Today I found this bird sitting on top of one tree, again I thought it was a black bird. Then I wanted to take a closed look. Took out my camera, zoomed in.

Although I used full zoom in my Nikon Coolpix, I was able to take some good clear pictures. I love the bird mode in this Nikon Camera.

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

In Australia, the Common Starling has become a familiar sight around human habitation throughout the east and south-east.[1]

The Common Starling is a medium-sized bird with a pointed beak, short, triangular wings and a short tail. Its blackish plumage varies with the season — it has a noticeably iridescent green-and-purple sheen to its feathers during the breeding season, and numerous white, ‘v’-shaped markings at other times of the year. [2]

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

The common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of the most invasive bird pests worldwide, having established populations in many countries outside its natural range.

The starling is a significant economic pest overseas and in Australia, causing severe damage to high-value fruit crops, especially cherries and all varieties of grape.

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

It occurs naturally in Europe and Asia and introduced populations occur throughout North America, South Africa, Argentina, Polynesia, New Zealand and eastern Australia. Once introduced to a location they can colonise surrounding areas, including offshore islands. In 1863, starlings from England were first released in eastern Australia, where they are now widespread.

The first starling recorded in Western Australia (WA) was in 1936 when a single bird was observed and removed at Gingin. Since 1971, individuals and small flocks of starlings crossing into WA via the Nullarbor Plain have been controlled by the Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia (DAFWA).

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

Small populations of starlings have become established in the south-east of WA, near the towns of Munglinup and Condingup. These birds are subject to continual control work that has two aims: to prevent an increase in starling numbers and colonisation of other areas; and to achieve the eventual eradication of starlings from WA. Starlings have also been recorded in other parts of the state, such as the Cadjebut mine in the Kimberley region. [3]

Habitat: 

Once a common bird of European deciduous woodlands (now in more rural and urban areas), the Common Starling was introduced into Australia in the late 1850s through to 1870. It has become well established and is expanding its range.

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

Feeding: 

Common Starlings are most often seen searching for seeds and insects on lawns and in paddocks. Other food includes spiders, worms, human scraps and fruit crops. Birds feed mainly on the ground and often in vast flocks.

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]

Breeding: 

During breeding season, the large winter flocks of Common Starlings break up into pairs or small groups. The nest is an untidy cup of grasses, leaves, twigs and items of human rubbish. Nest sites are any type of hollow, such as tree hollows and house roof voids. The birds are aggressive when competing for nesting sites and readily drive out native species. The pale blue eggs are incubated by both sexes which also raise the young birds. Often two broods are raised in a season.

[Device used: Nikon Coolpix P600; Pakenham, Victoria, Australia /2020]