[Bloody Sam Roberts]

That's what I call a Blackbird. Some in the US call them Starlings because they are widely know as the European Starling. In the Winter, the males have the white speckled plummage you see in the pic. But in the Summer they have the classic 'Starling' iridescent plummge.

In Europe, they get the name Starling because when in flight, their short wings and short tail make them look something like a 4 pointed star.

In the US, the Starling (also called a Grackle) is a bird with a longer tail and black beak and legs but sports the deep black, iridescent plummage all year long.

But, they are not the same as the Common Blackbird (turdus merula) which has the longer tail, more slender body like the Starling/Grackle but with the orange beak/legs.

Clear as mud, right?

[RckyRaCoCo]

Heh, we call them junk or garbage birds here.

Not a birder myself, but always had an interest in birds(maybe it's the aviation buff in me).

Unfortunately not a great variety around here in mid-MI, but better than other places I've lived.

[Dr. Bogus Pachysandra]

“turdus merula”

With my tagline, and “About” page,,, I’m gonna have to remember this one!