**Starlings** (Common or European Starling, *Sturnus vulgaris*) are medium-sized, highly aggressive, invasive birds introduced to North America in the late 19th century. They are characterized by their iridescent black plumage and their habit of forming massive, synchronized flocks (murmurations) in the fall and winter. The conflict is severe and widespread: they are aggressive competitors that **displace native birds** from nesting sites; they cause **economic damage** to fruit and grain crops; and their massive roosts create **major health and sanitation nuisances** (noise, corrosive droppings, and disease risk).
Taxonomy and Classification
Starlings belong to the class Aves. They are non-native, highly adaptable cavity nesters that breed rapidly. Unlike most native birds, the European Starling is **not protected** under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), allowing for population control measures where necessary.
Physical Description
Adult Starlings are 7.5 to 9 inches long.
- **Appearance (Key ID):** Glossy black plumage with iridescent purple/green highlights in summer. In winter, they have white feather tips giving them a **spotted** appearance. Long, pointed, yellow beak (black in winter).
- **Behavior (Key ID):** Walk (not hop); highly vocal, aggressive, and form very large, dense roosts on building ledges, eaves, or trees in urban areas.
- **Conflict Sign (Key ID):**
- **Massive Roosts:** Hundreds to thousands of birds roosting together, leading to high noise levels and accumulation of droppings.
- **Droppings:** Thick, whitewash-like droppings that are corrosive and stain building materials.
- **Nest Displacement:** Seen aggressively taking over tree cavities or nesting boxes intended for native birds (e.g., bluebirds, woodpeckers).
- **Conflict:** Invasive species, economic damage, sanitation, and native bird displacement.
Distribution and Habitat
Starlings are found throughout the U.S. and Southern Canada. Their habitat is highly associated with human-altered environments: urban centers (for roosting), farms (for feeding), and open suburban areas.
Behavior and Conflict
The conflict is dominated by the consequences of their large numbers.
- **Disease Risk:** Their droppings can harbor the fungus *Histoplasma capsulatum*, which causes Histoplasmosis in humans, and transmit pathogens like Salmonellosis.
- **Agricultural Loss:** Large flocks can inflict devastating damage to commercial vineyards, orchards (cherries, grapes, apples), and livestock feedlots.
- **Aggression:** They actively fill nest boxes and cavities with sticks and trash to prevent native birds from using them.
Management and Prevention
Control is integrated pest management (IPM), with a heavy focus on exclusion and harassment.
- **Nesting Sites:** Install hardware cloth over attic vents, eaves, and other structural cavities to prevent nesting.
- **Roosting Sites:** Install netting, bird spikes, or taut wire systems on ledges, beams, and window sills to prevent landing and roosting.
- Use automated sonic/ultrasonic devices, distress calls, or loud noises to harass and disperse established roosts (must be done consistently at dusk).
- Lethal methods (trapping, shooting, toxic baits) are legal but often controversial and strictly regulated.
Conservation and Research
Starlings are managed as non-native invasive pests. Research focuses on their population dynamics in North America, effective non-lethal deterrents for large roosts, and methods to protect native cavity-nesting birds from their aggressive competition.