In 1890, 100 starlings were released in New York’s Central Park, by a man who wanted to have all bird species mentioned by William Shakespeare introduced to North America. Since the introduction of this non-native species, their population has grown to what is estimated to be in the hundreds of millions. After pigeons and sparrows, they are the biggest pests that hail from the skies.

Habitat

Starlings are everywhere, especially areas with trees and buildings that can be used for nesting and grass for foraging. The birds may or may not migrate depending on weather conditions and can be found in towns, cities, ranches, farms, fields, woodlands, and lawns.

Breeding

Monogamous, starlings court and mate each spring. Three to eight eggs are hatched in each clutch and birds can nest up to three times a year. Eggs hatch 11 to 13 days after incubation.

Food and Feeding

They eat a variety of substances but prefer insects they can pull out of lawns and grassy fields. When feeding, they tend to flock with birds in the front frequently shifting to the back in a rolling pattern.

Morphology and Lifestyle

Length: 15 – 30 centimeters depending on species
Weight: 34 – 225 grams
Calls: Varied - can emit a “wolf whistle” like sound along with various whistling notes and chatter
Lifespan: About three years on average

Did You Know?

FACT: Starlings are very aggressive!

FACT: Slippery droppings pose safety risks in populated areas.

FACT: Starlings compete for resources with native, cavity-nesting birds like purple martins, bluebirds and flickers.