Thursday, 10 August 2023

Unusual white starling could be vulnerable to predation by passing peregrine or sparrowhawk

The ploughed field which the starling has made its favourite feeding ground

           

SPOTTED earlier this week on a ploughed field at Tetney Lock was a white starling.

The bird was one of a 100-strong flock that is thought to have flown in from Russia or elsewhere in northern Europe to spend autumn and winter in the warmer climes of Britain.

Because of its stand-out plumage, the bird is likely to be vulnerable to predation - perhaps from a passing sparrowhawk or peregrine falcon.    


The bird has been co-habiting with its dark-coloured counterparts

Here is the bird in all its whiteness - note also the pinkness of legs, an indicator of albinism 



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