EUROPEAN STARLING
European Starlings are generally regarded as a pest. Brought to North America in 1890 they were intentionally released by a group that wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare mentioned, this non-native species has spread to occupy most of the continent. They are are regarded as pests because they compete with local species for nesting spots, often stealing nests from other birds. They have white spots in the winter but turn dark and glossy in the summer. During breeding season, males show a skill for imitating the calls of several different species of birds. We don’t see many of them here in the canyon but when they are around, they do seem to like the equestrian center.