# starling

/ˈstɑɹɫɪŋ/ (US) · /stˈɑːlɪŋ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/starling
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the bird

noun · CEFR B2

a small to medium-sized bird with dark feathers that look green or purple in the light.

For teachers: a common passerine bird of the family Sturnidae, often featuring iridescent plumage and noted for its ability to mimic sounds.

- A starling landed on the bird feeder and chased the smaller birds away.
- The common starling is highly adaptable, though its introduction to North America has caused significant disruption to native avian populations.

### 2. a group of birds

noun · CEFR C1 · Literary

a bird known for flying in huge, coordinated groups that look like clouds in the sky.

For teachers: a gregarious bird species famous for murmuration, where thousands of individuals fly in complex, synchronized patterns.

- We watched a huge flock of starlings dancing in the sky at sunset.
- The sky darkened as a massive murmuration of starlings performed its fluid, hypnotic aerial display over the marshlands.

### 3. bridge protection

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong structure made of wooden or metal posts built around a bridge's legs to protect them from water and ice.

For teachers: a protective framework of piles or a pointed enclosure built around the pier of a bridge to break the force of water or ice.

- The old stone bridge had wooden starlings to protect it from floating ice.
- Engineers inspected the starlings for rot, as these protective pilings were essential for shielding the masonry piers from the river's erosive currents.

Usage: Usually refers to the structural engineering of older stone bridges.

## Examples

- A starling landed on the garden fence to look for food.
- As the sun began to set, thousands of starlings gathered in the sky to perform a stunning murmuration.
- The common starling is often viewed as an invasive pest in North America, yet its ability to mimic mechanical sounds and other bird calls remains a subject of fascination for urban naturalists.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.