The latest research figures show that 40 million European Starlings have disappeared from the European Union, including the UK, since 1980. This crash is triggering concern about the bird's future status as a widespread and familiar bird. The RSPB has launched a research project to see why this bird's population is in freefall in the UK.

European Starling

The European Staling - Sturnus vulgaris - also known as the Common Starling is native to most of temperate Europe and western Asia. It is resident in southern and western Europe and southwestern Asia, while northeastern populations migrate south and west in winter to these regions. It has unfortunately also been introduced to Argentina, North America, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Description

They are shiny black, glossed purple or green, and spangled with white. The adult males are less spotted below than adult females. The throat feathers are long and loose, and used as a signal in display. Juveniles are grey-brown, and by their first winter resemble adults though often retain some brown juvenile feathering especially on the head in the early part of the winter. The legs are stout, pinkish-red. The bill is narrow conical with a sharp tip; in summer, it is yellow in females, and yellow with a blue-grey base in males, while in winter, and in juveniles, it is black in both sexes.

Call

A purr-like call given as the bird takes flight, and a rattle that starlings make as they join a flock on the ground. Two types of scream-like calls indicate aggression and are often accompanied by flapping wings and metallic chip notes to other flock members and when harassing or mobbing predators.

Food

They will eat nearly anything, but they focus on insects and other invertebrates when they’re available. They also eat fruits, grains, seeds, nectar, livestock feed, and garbage.

Breeding

The male chooses the cavity, builds the nest with grasses in it and attracts the female to it. Five to seven bluish eggs are usually laid and are incubated by both parents for about 15 days. The chicks are fed for 20 to 22 days.

Conservation Status – Least concern

The European starling is classified as Least Concern (LC) on the IUCN Red List  at present.

Birdwatching

Ask Aves Birding Tours/Safaris/Adventures to create a tour for you or book on one of the following Aves Birding Tour/Safaris/Adventures see these introduced Starlings: -

Aves Eastern Cape Birding Tour / Safari /Adventure.

Aves Western Cape Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.

Aves West Coast Birding Tour / Safari / Adventure.