Are there any birds like that-- ie, birds which form flocks of only immature individuals?
I’ve never heard starlings described as beautiful. They are basically just rats with wings IMO. They are really noisy rats that take over your feeder, but YMMV of course.
I can’t think of a single NA bird that has green speckles on the breast. Green on white? Green on black? Possibly *brown *on white?
If you don’t think a Starling can be beautiful, I don’t think you’ve ever looked at one closely.
The green and purple highlights can make them very attractive in the right light.
In non-breeding plumage, the “stars” can also make them look very nice.
The closest so far is the European starling. But it was more striking in appearance, and I can’t see it weighing only a few ounces. Well, this is a good excuse to get back down there again soon.
OK, here is a picture. Blow it up and look for the circle. Otherwise, it’s hard to find the bird because it blends in so well.
I’m pretty sure that’s a starling; the yellowish beak is distinctive.
Even better, see the set here.
I agree too. It’s pretty low resolution, but the proportions of the yellow beak in relation to the head look right for Starling.
I suppose, but they’re loud, numerous, they chase away other birds and eat all the suet.
Yes, that’s it. My first hunch was starling, but for some reason I thought they were mostly black. Anyway, these are quite attractive birds.
Thanks all.