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Project Noah Nature School
Sturnus unicolor
It's that time of year when all the starlings moult and grow new feathers with white-tipped spots. This is when both species can look almost the same. The Starling (S. vulgaris) is browner on top (head and wings) and has darker legs and larger spots. The Spotless Starling (S. unicolor) is greyish on top with just a hint of brown, has pinker legs and the spots are smaller and soon wear away to reveal a glossy black plumage, usually by the New Year. As the feathers grow the longer throat feathers of the Spotless soon become apparent
Limestone outcrop in foothills of los Serranos mountains.
Spotted on Oct 17, 2016
Submitted on Oct 17, 2016
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