1281 days ago

Starlings - a variety of plumage as they mature

Louise from Woburn

The variety of plumage at the moment on young birds as they transition into their adult feathers is amazing. I think a few years ago I would have thought of common starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as a dozen different species if I thought of them at all. Many of the new generation still have their brown heads, but are developing their star-spangled chest feathers. Mature feathers coming in on their backs are beautiful, with pale brown borders and the middles an iridescent green in the sunlight. Nature is an artist. Notes: "Common" means they occur in other countries (...common to). Very different species of birds don't interbreed (while there is some hybrids among ducks, gulls, geese, and pheasants, it is not that common in the wild outside of closely related species), while mynas are in the same family (Sturnidae), they are a different species and don't breed with starlings. There are no official reports of mynas in Lower Hutt, they are not known to occur this far South, so if you do see one, make sure you get a photo and send it to me or log it on iNaturalist. While there are several species of starling around the world and 12 subspecies, we only have the subspecies vulgaris in New Zealand.

More messages from your neighbours

16 hours ago

This one was sent in by your fellow neighbour, can you figure it out?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

What is first white then red and the plumper it gets the more the old lady likes it?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

6 hours ago

Poll: How do you feel about dogs being allowed indoors in cafes?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

For most of us, seeing a friendly doggo while out and about instantly brings a smile to our faces. But how do you feel about cafes welcoming pups inside?

Cast a vote and share your thoughts below.