Starlings

Appearance

Starlings are medium-sized passerine birds, typically measuring about 20 to 23 centimetres in length and weighing around 75 to 100 grams. They have a robust body, short tail, and pointed wings. Their plumage is predominantly dark with a glossy sheen that can exhibit iridescent shades of green and purple. In winter, starlings appear speckled with white spots due to the seasonal feather moult.

The beak of a starling is slender and yellow during the breeding season, turning darker in the winter. Their legs are pinkish and relatively short compared to their body size. Juvenile starlings are duller in colour, usually a greyish-brown, but they gradually develop the adult plumage over their first year.

Habitat

Starlings are highly adaptable birds found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, woodlands, and grasslands. They are native to Europe but have been introduced to other regions, including North America and Australia, where they have become widespread.

Starlings are often seen roosting on buildings, in parks, and near open spaces where they can forage for food. They prefer nesting in cavities, which can include tree holes, building crevices, and nest boxes. Their adaptability allows them to thrive in both rural and urban settings.

Behaviour

Starlings are social birds known for their gregarious behaviour. They often form large flocks, especially during the non-breeding season, which can number in the thousands. These flocks are known for their spectacular murmurations, where they perform intricate, coordinated flight patterns before settling down to roost. This behaviour is not only mesmerizing to watch but also serves as a defence mechanism against predators.

Their diet is omnivorous, consisting of insects, fruits, seeds, and various invertebrates. Starlings are skilled foragers and can often be seen probing the ground with their beaks in search of food. In urban areas, they readily exploit human-provided food sources, scavenging in parks, gardens, and rubbish bins.

Breeding typically occurs from April to July. Starlings are cavity nesters, using natural holes, nest boxes, and building crevices to lay their eggs. A clutch usually consists of four to six pale blue eggs, which are incubated for about 12 days. Both parents participate in feeding the chicks, which fledge approximately three weeks after hatching.

Why are Starlings considered a pest?

Starlings are considered pests in specific contexts due to their behaviour and the problems they can cause in urban and agricultural areas. Here are the main issues associated with starlings:

1. Health Risks: Starlings can carry and transmit various diseases to humans and livestock, including histoplasmosis, salmonellosis, and ornithosis. Their droppings can also harbour harmful pathogens, contributing to unsanitary conditions, particularly in areas where food is prepared or consumed.
2. Agricultural Damage: Starlings can cause significant damage to crops by feeding on fruits, grains, and seeds. They are particularly problematic in vineyards and orchards, where they can reduce yields and cause economic losses for farmers.
3. Roosting and Nesting Issues: Starlings often roost in large numbers on buildings and other structures, creating noise and mess. Their droppings are acidic and can cause damage to buildings, vehicles, and other structures. Additionally, their nests can block gutters, vents, and chimneys, leading to water damage and other structural issues.
4. Competition with Native Species: Starlings are aggressive competitors for nesting sites and food sources, often displacing native bird species. This competition can lead to a decline in the populations of native birds, which can have broader ecological impacts.

Legal Considerations

In the UK, starlings are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This means that it is illegal to intentionally kill, injure, or take starlings or to damage or destroy their nests while they are in use or being built. However, in certain circumstances, licences can be issued to control starling populations if they are causing serious damage to agriculture or public health.

It is essential to follow legal guidelines when managing starling populations to ensure compliance with conservation laws and regulations. Any control measures must be humane and carried out by qualified professionals.

Starlings in the UK

In the UK, starlings are a familiar part of the urban environment. Large roosting flocks can often be seen performing murmurations in the evening sky, particularly during the autumn and winter months.

Effective management of starlings in the UK involves a combination of strategies. Reducing access to food sources is crucial, which can be achieved through public education on not feeding starlings and ensuring proper waste management. Installing physical barriers such as bird netting and spikes can help prevent starlings from roosting and nesting on buildings.

Additionally, humane deterrent methods such as audio-visual deterrents and falconry can be used to manage starling populations. It is essential to work with BPCA-accredited pest controllers who can provide expertise and effective solutions tailored to the specific challenges posed by starlings in urban environments.

Learn more about how to get rid of starlings