A range of teacher professional learning programs will be developed to accompany the Biodiversity of the Western Volcanic Plains online outreach...
Photo(s):
Common Starling
Sturnus vulgaris
Sturnus vulgaris
Breeds August-January. Builds an untidy cup nest in tree hollows, stumps, fence posts, walls and celiings of buildings. Is considered a pest in Australia. Willl readily compete with native bird species for nest sites. Forms large flocks in winter.
| Details | Description |
| Type | Bird |
| Group | Starlings and Mynas |
| Identifying Characteristics | |
| Distinctive Markings | Glossy black with the appearance of white spots due to the underparts tipped white in autumn. |
| Diet | Omnivore, feeding on invertebrates and seeds in paddocks and on lawns. Also eats human scraps and fruit crops. |
| Habitat | Urban areas, agricultural areas near towns. Also open woodlands, watercourses, gardens and orchards. |
| Native Status | Introduced |
| Sounds | Wheezing, rattling and clicking noises. "chwee" "tizz-tzz". |
| Taxonomy | |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Passeriformes |
| Family | Sturnidae |
| Genus | Sturnus |
| Species | vulgaris |
Native to Europe, north and west Asia. Now established in Australia throughout south east Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and southern South Australia.
Distribution maps indicate current and historic locations where species have been sighted.
Source: Atlas of Living Australia
| Conservation Status | |
| DEPI Advisory List | Not listed |
| FFG Act | Not listed |
| EPBC Act | Not listed |
The conservation status of species is listed within Victoria and Australia.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industry (DEPI) Advisory List consists of non-statutory advisory lists of rare or threatened flora and fauna within Victoria.
The Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 (FFG Act) lists threatened species in Victoria. Under the Act, an Action Statement is produced for each listed species.
The Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) is the Australian Government’s key piece of environmental legislation, listing nationally threatened native species and ecological communities.
