European Starling

The European starling, introduced to New Zealand in the 1860s, is a medium-sized bird now common throughout the country. Introduced to to control insect pests, European starlings quickly spread across the country. About the size of a blackbird but with a shorter tail, this gregarious bird is known for its iridescent plumage and noisy, chattering calls. Its adaptability and bold nature make it a familiar sight in both urban and rural areas across New Zealand.