The Starling is one of Irelands most common birds.The adult is oily black, while the young is brown.They arrive from places like Russia to avoid severe weather conditions.They live in holes in trees, walls and buildings.Its long bill helps it to catch insects.It also eats fruit and corn.They are often heard mimicing sounds like doorbells and referees whistles.They are rarely seen alone because live in flocks that could contain thousands of birds.Starling are often infested with lice so they allow ants to crawl all over them and eat the lice.Starling live in the city as well as in the countryside.They are 20-21cm long.
 

  Story and Illustrations by Siobhán Campbell.