A starling was a bird native to the planet Earth. A flock of starlings was one of the images Leonardo da Vinci told Captain Janeway he could see on a wall that was reflecting the light from a lamp. (VOY: "Scorpion")
Starling is a Sky Knight who was the leader of the Interceptors, the Sky Knight squadron of Terra Mesa. She held this position until the squadron's destruction by Repton. She has an overly professional approach to her duties as a Sky Knight, in stark contrast to the attitude of the Storm Hawks. This is reflected in her incredible skill when fighting and her plans for training and combat. Starling is shown to be an exceptional warrior and strategist, likely derived from her experience leading the Interceptors.
Starling is a member of the Birds of Prey who is a master strategist as well as being on the top of multiple Government watch lists.