Starlings are noisy and boisterous birds that are always ready to exploit a feeding opportunity. Flying around in flocks they announce their arrival with a cacophony of chirps, calls, screams, songs and all manner of mimicry - usually of other birds but mechanical noises can also be included in their incredibly large repertoire.

Often thought of as boring black-coloured birds, starlings are in fact surprisingly colourful. Their iridescence shines out on bright days revealing a bold palette of blue, green and violet. Where this is accompanied by pale buff spots starlings can accurately be described as one of the best dressed of garden visitors.