#723: Starling

Whilst there are quite a few different species of Starling, the most widely known is the European Starling, aka the "rat with wings". The European Starling is native to Europe, but has been introduced across the world for pest control, as he enjoys a diet of grubs and insects. However, he has become the pest in America (North and South), Australia, South Africa, Fiji, New Zealand and a number of other islands. Firstly, Starlings are flock birds, gathering in large numbers to decimate crops. They are also colony breeders and nest in cavities, which leads to them taking up residence in the eaves of houses. In the UK and Ireland, Starlings are on the decline and they are a protected species.

If you live in North America, you can blame Willian Shakespeare for the Starling. They were introduced to New York because the American Acclimitization Society wanted to introduce all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays. They now range from Alaska down to Central America.

Only three birds make the "top #100 invasive pests" list, and they are the Common Starling, the Indian Mynah and the Red-vented Bulbul.

If anyone has any tips on how to dissude starlings from nesting in your house's roof cavities, please let me know. We are currently playing landlord to at least three starling families and whilst I can cope with the scratching noises and the shrilling chicks, I do not really wish to encourage this continued behaviour due to the mess and other potential damage.