Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Starlings: meaning, definitions and examples

🐦
Add to dictionary

starlings

 

[ˈstɑːrlɪŋz ]

Definition

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'starling' comes from the Old English word 'styrling,' which means 'little star.'
  • Related to the word ‘star,’ reflecting the bird’s shimmering feathers when seen in flocks.

Natural Behavior

  • Starlings are known for their impressive murmurations, where thousands of them fly in synchronized patterns to confuse predators.
  • They can mimic the sounds of other birds and even human-made noises like car alarms, showcasing their vocal versatility.

Cultural Significance

  • These birds have appeared in poetry and literature, often symbolizing freedom and the beauty of nature's rhythms.
  • Starlings have been featured in numerous art pieces, celebrated for their coordinated flight patterns.

Ecological Impact

  • As omnivores, starlings play an important role in controlling insect populations by feeding on pests.
  • Their flocks can compete with native birds for food and nesting sites, affecting local ecosystems.

Migration Patterns

  • Many starlings are migratory, traveling thousands of miles between their breeding and wintering grounds.
  • Their migratory behavior is often timed with seasonal changes, moving in response to food availability.

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

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.