Starlings

Key Features of Starlings

The starlingis a bird which is commonly seen in both urban and rural areas.

Breeding

Nests are usually built in holes in trees or buildings and they will readily take over nest boxes. The area around the nest entrance is usually streaked with dropping. The adults may produce 2 broods in a season, one in early April and one in mid May.

Distribution & Roosting

The population of starlings in this country increases considerably in late September through to early November. This is due to immigrant birds coming in from Europe and north west Russia. These birds return from mid February to the end of April. Starlings will fly considerable distances to feed even up to 20-30 miles. Regular flight lines are used between feeding sites and roosts. Tens of thousands of birds may be present in a large roost and the noise and fouling produced is considerable.

Feeding

Starlings are mainly insectivorous during the breeding season, with leather jackets being an important part of the diet. In winter they are omnivorous and will feed on invertebrates, stubble, roots, stock foods and scavenge at refuse tips.

Control

There are several methods available for controlling a starling population. The recommended method would depend on each individual situation. These methods include acoustic bird dispersal systems as well as the installation of preventative mesh or net