Common Starlings (introduced into Australia)
A couple of weeks ago I was passing through Bathurst, which is about three hours’ drive west of Sydney. On top of a very large advertising board were some colourful birds. The markings on their feathers reminded me of Little Wattlebirds, but the colours and demeanour of the birds were quite different:
![](https://sydneybirder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/starlings-bathurst-img_5558-cropped.jpg?w=1024)
Here’s another of the birds:
![](https://sydneybirder.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/starlings-bathurst-img_5562-cropped.jpg?w=1024)
After some research, I’ve concluded that these are Common Starlings. These birds were introduced into Australia in the second half of the 19th century. They’re now widespread across the south eastern areas. They don’t go too far north of Brisbane, because the climate up there doesn’t suit them. And Western Australia has managed largely to keep these birds out.
Common name: Common Starling
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 20-21 cm
Date spotted: 13 April 2024 (autumn)
Location: Maffu Parking Lot, Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia: 33°23’43.3″S 149°35’40.8″E
Posted on 2024/04/25, in Birds, Starling and tagged australia, birds, birdwatching, Common Starling. Bookmark the permalink. 2 Comments.
Starlings do seem to enjoy country areas – I’ve come across flocks of them in Oberon in the central west. Great photos 😊
Thanks! I hope to spend more time in the central west and see more of the bird life there.