European Starling (Common Starling)

A small, dark contour feather displaying the signature metallic sheen of the European Starling. The bird itself is a stocky, medium-sized songbird with a short tail, pointed bill, and striking plumage that transforms from speckled white-and-dark in winter to glossy iridescent black in summer.

Dark brownish-black base with strong purple and green metallic iridescence and subtle pale buff tipping characteristic of fresh winter or non-breeding plumage

Pennaceous upper vane with tightly interlocked barbicels, transitioning into a short plumulaceous (fluffy downy) base near the calamus

Slender, slightly curved central rachis colored dark near the vane and whitish at the base, with densely packed barbs extending at a moderate angle

Smooth, glossy, and slightly stiff across the pennaceous vane, with a soft, downy texture at the hidden base

Body contour feather from the breast or mantle, identified by its rounded shape and iridescent dark coloration

Dark coloration with distinct metallic green/purple iridescence and tiny pale tips, coupled with a small one-inch size and lanceolate shape

Highly adaptable, found in urban areas, agricultural fields, open woodlands, and grasslands

Widespread across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia; non-native and highly invasive throughout North America

Acts as an omnivorous scavenger and insect predator, though often considered an agricultural pest and a competitive threat to native cavity-nesting birds

Other small blackbirds such as Brewer's Blackbird or Red-winged Blackbird, though starlings are uniquely distinguished by their speckled tips and intense iridescence

European Starlings are famous for their massive, swirling aerial flocks known as murmurations, and they are exceptional vocal mimics capable of imitating other birds and mechanical sounds

Introduced to North America in the 19th century by enthusiasts wishing to bring all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's works to Central Park; rarely used in modern crafts due to abundance and pest status

Look near urban lawns, feeders, and roost sites where starlings gather in large numbers; molted feathers are frequently found in grass and shrubby areas

Good condition with an intact vane, minimal wear, and clean barbs indicating a relatively fresh molt

Centralia WA One inch in length