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Starlings: meaning, definitions and examples

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starlings

 

[ ˈstɑːrlɪŋz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

bird species

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds belonging to the family Sturnidae. They are known for their striking plumage and the ability to mimic sounds. Starlings are often found in flocks and are famous for their murmurations, where thousands of birds move in unison. These birds are omnivorous, feeding on insects, fruits, and seeds. Some species, like the European starling, have adapted well to human environments.

Synonyms

Sturnus, starling

Examples of usage

  • The starlings danced in the evening sky.
  • In autumn, starlings gather in large flocks.
  • I spotted a starling pecking at the ground.

Translations

Translations of the word "starlings" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estorninhos

🇮🇳 तारों का समूह

🇩🇪 Starlinge

🇮🇩 burung jalak

🇺🇦 скворці

🇵🇱 szpaki

🇯🇵 ムクドリ

🇫🇷 étourneaux

🇪🇸 estorninos

🇹🇷 sığırcıklar

🇰🇷 찌르레기

🇸🇦 الغراب الأسود

🇨🇿 starlings

🇸🇰 štarli

🇨🇳 椋鸟

🇸🇮 štirje

🇮🇸 stara

🇰🇿 күркетауық

🇬🇪 ჩიტები

🇦🇿 yıldız quşları

🇲🇽 estorninos

Etymology

The word 'starling' originates from the Old English 'styrling', which is a diminutive form of 'ose', referring to a bird. The term has roots in Proto-Germanic and can be traced back to similar words in other Germanic languages. The consolidation of the name through various cultures reflects the bird's widespread presence across Europe and its association with transitional seasons, especially as they migrate to warmer climates. Over time, the starling has become a well-documented species in both natural history and folklore, often connected to omens or environmental changes due to their mass movements.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,677, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.