By: Gerry Wegner Ph.D.
Sturnus vulgaris (Passeriformes: Sturnidae)
The European starling is yet another example of a failed attempt at releasing non-native species thought to be beneficial. One hundred European starlings were imported from England and released in New York’s Central Park in the early 1890s, with hopes that this species would help control insect pests. Instead, the starlings spread throughout North America — to the detriment of certain native bird species that were outcompeted in claiming available nesting holes.
Gerry Wegner |
Furthermore, European starlings are responsible for both cosmetic and structural damage to buildings, light poles, towers and signage as a result of pecking into soft sheathing, excavating insulation, the introduction of unsightly nesting material and ectoparasitic mites. Wherever starlings nest and gather, they defecate on nearby and underlying surfaces, including vehicles and pavement. Under certain conditions, humans exposed to accumulations of starling feces can contract Salmonellosis or histoplasmosis. Another unpleasant aspect of starling gathering sites is the loud noise and disturbance resulting from their social vocalizations.
 European Starling |
Biology
Adult male and female European starlings are 8 to 9 inches long and have a wingspan of 12 to 14 inches. The bill is long, slender, pointed and colored yellow, tipped with black. During most of the year, adult birds are mainly black with faint light speckling on the feathers of the body and narrow pale margins on the wing feathers. In the late winter and early spring, both sexes sport breeding plumage manifested by a green and purple sheen to the typically black areas; while the yellow spotting and margins on the feathers is more prominent. Young birds are mostly gray to grayish-black in color.
IPM Measures |
European starlings have two broods per year, with the birthing seasons being spring and summer. Females may lay two to eight eggs in their nests, but the typical clutch size ranges from four to six eggs. The incubation period is 11 to 14 days, and the young leave the nest in three to four weeks.
You can reach Wegner, technical director and staff entomologist of Varment Guard, at 614-794-8169 or e-mailgerry.wegner@varmentguard.com.
Leave A Comment