rahatähti

A rahatähti is a colloquial Finnish term often used to refer to a common starling, scientifically known as *Sturnus vulgaris*. This term is not a formal ornithological designation but rather a popular, descriptive name. The name "rahatähti" translates literally to "money star" or "coin star" in English, likely alluding to the iridescent, somewhat metallic sheen of the bird's plumage, which can appear to shimmer like coins in certain lights.

The common starling is a small to medium-sized passerine bird native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. They are highly adaptable and have been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America and Australia, where they can sometimes be considered invasive due to their large flocking behavior and competition with native species. In Finland, they are a common sight, especially during the summer breeding season and as they gather in large flocks before migration.

These birds are known for their noisy, chattering calls and their remarkable ability to mimic sounds, including the songs of other birds and even mechanical noises. They are omnivores, feeding on insects, seeds, and fruit. Their social nature leads them to form massive flocks, particularly outside the breeding season, which can create spectacular aerial displays known as murmurations. The term rahatähti captures the visual characteristic of these often overlooked but widespread birds.