Starlings

I don't get many Starlings in my garden but had the opportunity to see a few in the hand whilst doing some ringing permit assessments with Jane in her garden. The adults were swarming around catching St Marks flys on the bushes in her garden and several found themselves in a mist net.

During the breeding season adult Starlings are easily sexed as, with real stereotyping, females have pink bases to the bill and males have blue.  With really good views it can be seen that the females also have pale ring surrounding the iris whilst the males have a completely dark eye.

Above and below: female Starling with pink base to bill and pale ring surrounding pupil

Male Starling with blue base to bill and solidly dark eye

Many thanks to Jane for her hospitality once again.