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Starling 

Starling

Kuldnokk

Sturnus vulgaris

 

Flocks of starlings have been seen in the last few days. The best known spring heralds are arriving and very soon will make themselves heard as spring goes on.

A spangled, glossy plumage with a metallic shimmer, a yellow beak and – look carefully! – pink feet. The inquisitive nature and widely varied song of the starlings make them a joyful symbol of spring for us. Who else can weave all surrounding sounds and melodies so skilfully into their own song? The melodies depend largely on what the bird has heard in its lifetime, and so even the sounds of human civilization reach the songs of the starlings.