Bird Species

European Starlings

Similar to pigeons and sparrows, European starlings are considered an invasive species, and one of the few birds not protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Whilst unprotected, they are still an impressive species, capable of mimicking other bird species, and even human speech if trained to do so.

  

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Understand the Problem

Issues Caused By
European Starlings

Large flocks of European starlings can pose a multitude of problems for commercial properties and businesses:

  • Starlings are foragers that will eat livestock feed and crops. Their presence in livestock facilities can spread disease between different facilities and species.
  • As they tend to congregate in large flocks, starling droppings can accumulate and pose health risks to humans and corrode buildings and infrastructure components.
  • Starlings can disturb turf on golf courses as they search for grubs and damage other greenspaces.

Solutions

How to Manage Issues
with European Starlings

Some of the most common methods when dealing with European Starlings include:

  • Exclusion tactics to close any building opening larger than 1 inch
  • Cover underside of beams with netting, or implement netting over fruit crops like grapes or cherries
  • Feed animals in covered areas and use food forms starlings can’t swallow, such as cubes. Mix supplements in well and adjust schedules to times when starlings aren’t around
  • Frighten birds before they’re attached to the site using bird laser
Diverse Range of Species

Learn More About the Species

Appearance

Starlings are stocky black birds with short tails, triangular wings, and long pointed bills. They have dark and glossy feathers in summer which become white speckled in the winter. Their plumage is a purple/green iridescent and their beaks are yellow.

Behavior

Starlings forage and fly in large flocks. They are aggressive, boisterous and loud.

Diet

They forage mostly on the ground in open areas, probing soil with their bill. They sometimes like fruit trees and catching insects. Starlings will come to bird feeders.

Habitat

Starlings are an Invasive species from Europe. They are common in towns, suburbs, and the countryside near human settlements and will feed off the ground (lawns, sidewalks etc.) or in trees, buildings etc.

Nesting

They make 4-6 eggs per clutch and have 2 broods per year. Both parents feed nestlings. Males will sometimes have more than one mate. Nests are in any cavity, usually holes in trees or buildings.

Migration

Many northern birds migrate south in fall, most southern birds are permanent residents.

Protected Status

No, starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the US. However, some states or local jurisdictions may have regulations regarding their control.

Sources: The Audubon Society, Cornell Lab of Ornithology bird guide, Human Society of the United States, Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management, Nest Watch

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