Starling

Starling with bill open

The starling is a familiar bird throughout Britain, associated with farm, wood and urban habitats. It is famed for its ability to mimic the calls of other birds and the mechanical noises in its varied repertoire of song.

Small flocks are a common sight in urban areas on lawns and sports pitches where they can be seen waddling about searching and probing in the turf for worms and leather jackets. 

During the past 25 years, their population has declined by over 50%. A possible cause is the change in farming towards intensive grassland systems, resulting in a reduced availability of insects and seed sources. Once seen as 'bully boys' at the bird table, their comical squabbling flocks are now much reduced in number. 

Another sign of their decline is the disappearance of the spectacular traditional roosts in big city centres.  

What do starlings need?

  • Adult starlings feed on a range of insect and plant foods throughout the year. During spring, insects form a large part of their diet and are fed almost exclusively to young birds. Fruits, cereals and other seeds are the staple diet through autumn and winter. 
  • They feed mainly on the ground in short grass, taking most of their food at or just below the soil surface or among plant roots. They also feed in trees and bushes on berries and insect larvae as they become available. 
  • They are very intelligent birds and quickly exploit new opportunities provided by man; feeding around sewage farms and refuse tips. They feed readily on household scraps and around fast food outlets as well as visiting bird tables and feeders. 
  • Starlings traditionally nest in holes in trees, but have adapted to use holes in buildings and other man-made structures.
  • They roost communally in a variety of natural and man-made sites. Woods and reedbeds are preferred, but they will also roost in thick evergreen bushes and on buildings in urban areas. 

Register for Homes for Wildlife today and receive advice on how to help starlings, and other wildlife, in your garden by clicking on the link to the left.

Last modified: 23 October 2007