starling
starling
Definition
star·ling (stär′liŋ)
noun
any of an Old World family (Sturnidae) of dark-colored passerine birds with a short tail, long wings, and a sharp, pointed bill; esp., the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) with iridescent plumage, introduced into the U.S., where it is now often a pest
Etymology: ME < OE stærlinc, dim. of stær, starling < IE *stor(n)os, starling, bird with similar cry > L sturnus
starling
Usage Examples
Converse of object
- see: Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens The most commonly seen glossy starling in most of Namibia.
- whistle: The powerful wrens, cheerful chaffinches, delicate sparrows and whistling starlings then weave in melodies, sweet enough to rouse the sun.
- have: Did you know that Mozart had a pet starling?
- find: It's coming home from work and finding an adult starling in your living room I don't like.
Adjective modifier
- spotless: Spotless starling: Widespread Rock Sparrow: one on minor road 5 km southeast of Torralba.
- glossy: Cape Glossy Starling Lamprotornis nitens The most commonly seen glossy starling in most of Namibia.
- European: I am now pursuing a DPhil under the guidance of Dr. Ben Sheldon, studying parental investment in the European starling.
- young: A young starling begs to be fed by the adult on the insect treat fat block.
- blue-eared: Greater blue-eared glossy starling -- Up to 15 along the Atlantic Road.
- common: Spotless Starling ( Sturnus unicolor ) Widespread, but never in big groups or colonies like the common starling.
Modifies a noun
- contrast: Her arms and hands formed a starling contrast to the remainder of the ensemble.. .
- sturnus: No native passerine have been recorded, but redpoll Acanthis flammea and common starling Sturnus vulgaris are both widespread and common.
- vulgaris: No native passerine have been recorded, but redpoll Acanthis flammea and common starling Sturnus vulgaris are both widespread and common.
- flock: The estimated number of birds in the starling flock is 10,000, Some flock!
Browse dictionary entries near starling
- starlike
- starlight
- starlet
- starless
- starkers
- stark-naked
- Stark, Jürgen
- stark
- staring
- stargazer
- starlit
- starred
- starry
- starry-eyed
- Stars and Bars
- Stars and Stripes
- starship
- start
- start bit
- start in
