# Starling birds of Puerto Rico

Canonical source: https://birdsofpuertorico.com/family/starling

Browsing group in the Birds of Puerto Rico guide; not necessarily a formal taxonomic family.

Number of birds composing most of the family Sturnidae (order Passeriformes), especially Sturnus vulgaris, a 20-cm (8-inch) chunky iridescent black bird with a long sharp bill. It was introduced from Europe and Asia to most parts of the world (South America excepted). The millions in North America are descendants of 100 birds released in New York City in 1890–91. They often damage fruit and grain crops—though they also consume harmful insects—and usurp native songbirds’ nest holes. S. vulgaris feeds on the ground and flies in tight flocks; vocal year-round, it mimics other birds’ notes and utters wheezy sounds of its own. They frequently form large flocks, called murmurations, which may move in synchrony in order to avoid predators.

## Species in this group

- [European Starling](https://birdsofpuertorico.com/bird/234/European-Starling.md): Sturnus vulgaris.
- [Great Myna](https://birdsofpuertorico.com/bird/232/Great-Myna.md): Acridotheres grandis.