Category:Starling

Star"ling, n. Etym: [oe. sterlyng, a dim. of oe. stare, as. stær; Akin to as. stearn, g. star, staar, ohg. stara, icel. starri, stari, Sw. stare, dan. stær, l. sturnus. Cf. Stare a starling.]

1. (zoöl.)

Defn: any passerine bird belonging to sturnus and allied genera. The European starling (sturnus vulgaris) is dark brown or greenish black, With a metallic gloss, and spotted with yellowish white. It is a Sociable bird, and builds about houses, old towers, etc. Called also Stare, and starred. The pied starling of india is sternopastor Contra.

2. (zoöl.)

Defn: a california fish; the rock trout.

3. A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for Protection and support; -- called also sterling. Rose-colored Starling. (zoöl.) See pastor.