Photography of Birds – Set # 151

Set # 151

European Starling

The common starling was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his Systema Naturae in 1758 under its current binomial name. Sturnus and vulgaris are derived from the Latin for “starling” and “common” respectively. The Old English staer, later stare, and the Latin sturnus are both derived from an unknown Indo-European root dating back to the second millennium BC. “Starling” was first recorded in the 11th century, when it referred to the juvenile of the species, but by the 16th century it had already largely supplanted “stare” to refer to birds of all ages. The older name is referenced in William Butler Yeats’ poem “The Stare’s Nest by My Window”. The International Ornithological Congress’ preferred English vernacular name is common starling.

Common Grackle

Grackles have a unique adaptation in the keel within their bill which allows them to crack and cut hard nuts or kernels. The keel projects downward from the horny palate and is sharper and more abrupt anterior. It extends below the level of the tomium and is used in a sawing motion to score open acorns or dried kernels. Large adductor muscle within their jaw compared to other icteridae also makes this adaptation even more useful for opening hard seeds and acorns.

Along with some other species of grackles, the common grackle is known to practice “anting”, rubbing insects on its feathers possibly to apply liquids such as formic acid secreted by the insects.

Tags: birding, birds, Common Grackle, European Starling, PHOTO SETS, photography, photos of birds

13 thoughts on “Photography of Birds – Set # 151”

bayphotosbydonna on October 9, 2020 at 8:28 am said:

Two stunning shots, HJ!!

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- H.J. for avian101 on October 9, 2020 at 5:47 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much, Donna. 🙂
  
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Jane's Heartsong on October 9, 2020 at 3:38 pm said:

Both are lovely. 🙂

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- H.J. for avian101 on October 9, 2020 at 5:49 pm said:
  
  Thank you, Jane. Are you in your new residence? 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on October 9, 2020 at 5:52 pm said:

Great picture of the starling HJ.

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- H.J. for avian101 on October 9, 2020 at 5:54 pm said:
  
  Thanks so much, Tom. 🙂
  
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aussiebirder on October 9, 2020 at 6:52 pm said:

Lovely capture of the Starling’s sheen HJ 🙂

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H.J. for avian101 on October 9, 2020 at 9:03 pm said:

Thank you, Ashley. 🙂

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tanjabrittonwriter on October 9, 2020 at 10:45 pm said:

Great portraits, H.J. I particularly like the colors and composition of the starling.
Happy weekend to you,
Tanja

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- H.J. for avian101 on October 10, 2020 at 5:59 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much, Tanja. Have a great weekend too. 🙂
  
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  - tanjabrittonwriter on October 12, 2020 at 12:54 pm said:
    
    Thank you.
de Wets Wild on October 10, 2020 at 2:31 am said:

As usual the facts you share are as fascinating as your photographic skills, H.J. Thanks for the daily treat!

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- H.J. for avian101 on October 10, 2020 at 6:06 pm said:
  
  Just like you do at de Wets Wild. Thank you very much, my friend. 🙂
  
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