European
Starling

North America's population of roughly 200 million starlings descends from about 100 birds released into Central Park in the late 19th century.

An enthusiast named Eugene Schieffelin is responsible for bringing them to the United States because he wanted to introduce every bird species mentioned in William Shakespeare’s plays to the United States.

Large flocks gather in giant, swirling masses called murmurations, moving together in total synchronization to confuse predators.

Individual starlings can learn and copy the calls of up to 20 different bird species, as well as mechanical noises and human sounds.