Starling /(-lĭng)/

Star·ling

Starling

Any passerine bird belonging to Sturnus and allied genera. The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is dark brown or greenish black, with a metallic gloss, and spotted with yellowish white. It is a sociable bird, and builds about houses, old towers, etc. Called also stare, and starred. The pied starling of India is Sternopastor contra. (Zool.)
A California fish; the rock trout. (Zool.)
A structure of piles driven round the piers of a bridge for protection and support; -- called also sterling.