Starling

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds in the family Sturnidae. The name "Sturnidae" comes from the Latin word for starling, sturnus. Many Asian species, particularly the larger ones, are called mynas, and many African species are known as glossy starlings because of their iridescent plumage. Starlings are native to the Old World, from Europe, Asia and Africa, to northern Australia and the islands of the tropical Pacific. Several European and Asian species have been introduced to these areas as well as North America, Hawaii and New Zealand, where they generally compete for habitats with native birds and are considered to be invasive species. The starling species familiar to most people in Europe and North America is the common starling, and throughout much of Asia and the Pacific, the common myna is indeed common.

Starlings have strong feet, their flight is strong and direct, and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Several species live around human habitation and are effectively omnivores. Many species search for prey such as grubs by "open-bill probing", that is, forcefully opening the bill after inserting it into a crevice, thus expanding the hole and exposing the prey; this behaviour is referred to by the German verb zirkeln (pronounced [ˈtsɪʁkəln]).

Starlings (TV series)

Starlings is a British comedy-drama written by Steve Edge and Matt King who also play the roles of Fergie and Uncle Loz. It is one of the few recent television comedy series commissioned and aired on Sky1. In September 2013, Sky1 announced it was cancelling the show after two seasons.

Premise

Terry and Jan Starling have been happily married for many years, living in Matlock, Derbyshire. They have 3 children. Their eldest, Bell, is in her early 20s and is pregnant by her boyfriend Reuben. Graham, known as Gravy, has left school but is currently unemployed. Charlotte, known as Charlie, is the youngest, and works with Terry in his capacity as a self-employed electrician. other members of the family include Terry's elderly father, Bill, and Jan's nephew Fergie. In the first episode the family meet Lawrence, known as Loz, for the first time. He is Bill's long lost son, and therefore Terry's half brother.

Cast and characters

Episodes

Series 1 (2012)

Series 2 (2013)

DVD release

The first series of Starlings was released on DVD on 9 July 2012.