European starlings typically live from 8 to 15 years, although the maximum recorded lifespan is 22 years and 11 months, with a theoretical lifespan ranging from 16 years and 1 month to 20 years and 8 months. The species reaches sexual maturity between 9 months and 1 week and 1 year and 3 months. A chick’s eyes open between 6 days and 1 week; during the "Embryo" stage, the embryo develops inside an egg and receives nutrients from the yolk. The "Chick" stage sees the young bird in a nest, being fed insects and worms by its parents. Following this, the “Rapid Growth Juvenile” stage lasts from 3 weeks and 1 day to 11 months, during which the young bird learns to fly and forage independently. An adult bird is capable of reproduction and actively sings while defending its territory, with this "Adult" stage lasting from 1 to 20 years.