When you really look at them, Starlings are quite beautiful. Also, to use the words of Audubon Guide to North American Birds, "the Starling wins our grudging admiration for its adaptability, toughness, and seeming intelligence".

And yes, indirectly Shakespeare was responsible for them appearing in North America (See All About Birds, below)

COOL FACTS about Starlings from 'All About Birds': Press here for Link

"•All the European Starlings in North America descended from 100 birds set loose in New York's Central Park in the early 1890s. The birds were intentionally released by a group who wanted America to have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned. It took several tries, but eventually the population took off. Today, more than 200 million European Starlings range from Alaska to Mexico, and many people consider them pests.
•Starlings are strong fliers that can get up to speeds of 48 mph.
•Starlings are great vocal mimics: individuals can learn the calls of up to 20 different species. Birds whose songs starlings often copy include the Eastern Wood-Pewee, Killdeer, meadowlarks, Northern Bobwhite, Wood Thrush, Red-tailed Hawk, American Robin, Northern Flicker, and many others."