Starling murmuration over the ruins of Brightons West Pier, England Jan. 8, 2026

When a bird is called a starling, you"d expect it to be a bit of a show-off. True to its name, this little creature knows how to steal the spotlight. From shimmering feathers that glint green and purple in the sun to its ability to mimic sounds, the starling is the headline act. Originally native to Europe and Asia, the common starling has spread across the globe.

© Philip Reeve/Photodisc/Getty Images

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