WEBThe common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has iridescent plumage. Starlings are medium-sized passerines. The shortest-bodied species is Kenrick's starling (Poeoptera kenricki), at 15 cm (6 in), but the lightest-weight species is Abbott's starling (Poeoptera femoralis), which is 34 g (1 + 1 ⁄ 4 oz).