Species introductions, whether intentional or accidental, almost always result in negative consequences. Non-native plants and animals introduced to a new area tend to die out or take over, rarely do they blend in naturally with the preexisting species. The European starling is an invasive species t hat has had a negative impact on native birds through competition for resources like food and nest cavities. In 1890 a group called the American Acclimatization Society sought to introduce to North America a variety of birds written about in the works of Shakespeare. About 100 European starlings were released in Central Park, New York and began breeding successfully. Further introductions of starlings by different groups of Europeans also occurred in other eastern states and it only took about 50 years for the smart and successful starlings to spread all the way to the west coast. As a group, starlings are successful species on other continents, but the European starling is the only species of starling now common to North America. They are an intelligent species with complex vocalizations and an uncanny ability to function as a team. These attributes in addition to their prolific breeding habits allowed them to spread rapidly across our continent. During the summer the starling body is glossy black with iridescence, but in the winter nonbreeding plumage the black body is covered with white spotting. A curious seasonal variation occurs with their utilitarian sword shaped beak, which changes color from bright yellow in the summer to dull black in the winter. European starlings are smaller than a robin with some brownish hues on their dark wings and short tail. Note that their wings have a unique triangular shape. The sexes are similar and juveniles have a grayish body. Especially during winter, starlings may gather in large flocks, sometimes with blackbirds. The sounds of starlings are unusual trills and chatters with a rough and squeaky quality, and they are expert mimics of the songs and calls of other birds. While they exquisitely thrive in urban areas, their varied habitat preferences include farms and ranches, riparian areas, fields and open woodlands. Their survival skills are enhanced by their diverse diet, ground foraging mostly for seeds, berries and insects but also other small invertebrates and fruits. Starlings often appear at feeder areas. Many years ago I had occasional sightings of small flocks of European starlings in the yard area. I have not had any yard sightings in recent years, but I do see some small groups around Woodland Park on a regular basis. While starlings have become residents in the urban settings of mountain towns, they have not penetrated into thicker conifer forest areas, and they avoid higher elevations above 10,000 feet. — Joe LaFleur studied wildlife biology and communications at Colorado State University. He is author of the book Mountain Birds of Teller County and creator of “Better Birdwatching,” a DVD series on North American birds. His betterbirdwatching.com website features a Teller County Bird Checklist and Blog. Contact him with questions and feedback at [email protected]. BIRD SIGHTINGS Notable reports in December from the Woodland Park Yard Area: – Red-tailed hawk- buzzed the feeder area on Dec. 31 – Clark’s nutcracker and brown creeper – a couple sightings – White-breasted nuthatch – one or two around most of the time – Pine siskin – one on Dec. 14 – Dark-eyed junco winter subspecies: Pink-sided- one or two around most of the time – rosy finches- report from Cripple Creek area at end of December, flock of about 125 mixed with about 75 snow buntings, a rare species in Teller County. ...read more read less