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Birds and Butterflies of Rhodes
RODOPTERA
Sturnus vulgaris
European starling. Greek: ψαρόνι. Apolakia, April 2022.
Passage migrant/winter visitor, uncommon. Length 19-23 cm, wingspan 31-44 cm. Sexes similar, breeding plumage glossy greenish black with white speckles, winter plumage speckled dark brown. Open areas with scattered trees, forest edges, towns. Omnivorous, takes insects, worms, lizards, fruit, seeds. Forages by walking/running on ground. Gregarious behaviour. Powerful straight flight with fast wing beats and glides. Large repertoire of vocalizations with chirps, warbles, metallic sounds, mimicry.
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