Ecology

Starlings are cavity nesters, as seen in Figure 1 below, and compete with native species such as woodpeckers, bluebird and swallows for nesting spots (Humane Society 2013).  Male starlings can be particularly aggressive, even going so far as to peck holes in the eggs laid by other birds, remove their nesting materials, kill their young, and build a nest on top of another nest with eggs in it (Link 2013).  Furthermore, starlings do not migrate for the winter and therefore get a head start on searching for appropriate nesting sites (Link 2013).  Deforestation exacerbates the problem of the eviction of native species as it decreases the number of nesting spots for cavity nesters (Link 2013).  It is believed that starlings are causing the decline of the sapsucker, the red-bellied woodpecker, and other birds (Johnson et al. 2009).

Figure 1.  Starling (on right) fighting off a bird whose nest it has stolen.  (Pooja 2011)

Starling droppings are phytotoxic and may also transmit diseases dangerous to humans, such as salmonella, histoplasmosis, and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (Level 2011).  Because they travel in such large groups—up to 10,000 birds—the accumulation of their droppings, which can reach a depth of 1 ft, can cause serious health problems (Level 2011).

Starlings are classified as a pest bird and are therefore exempt from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918 (Link 2013).  They are one of the very few birds that PETA does not protect from extermination, provided the methods used are ethical (PETA 2013).  No permit is required to remove and/or destroy their eggs, nest, young, or adults (Link 2013).  Excessive measures are taken to rid human dwellings of these foreign pests.

Works Cited:

Conversation with PETA representative.  May 14, 2013.  757-622-7382.  http://www.peta.org/about/contact-peta/default.aspx

The Humane Society of the United States. (2009)  What to Do About Starlings.  (Date Accessed: May 12, 2013.)  http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/starlings/tips/solving_problems_starlings.html

Johnson, S. & Givens, W.  (2009)  Florida’s Introduced Birds: Starlings (Sturnus Vulgaris).  EDIS, University of Florida.  (Date Accessed: May 12, 2013.)  http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw300

Level, A.  (2011)  European Starlings.  Wildlife Damage Management, Colorado State University.  (Date Accessed: May 12, 2013.) http://lib.colostate.edu/research/agnic/starlings.html

Link, R.  (2013)  Starlings.  Living with Wildlife, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.  (Date Accessed: May 12, 2013.)  http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/starlings.html

Pooja.  (2011)  Birds Kung Fu Fight.  Admanya.  (Date Accessed: May 22, 2013.)  http://consumer.admanya.com/photoblog/birds_in_kung_fu_fight-2168.html