European Starlings Invading: What Can We Do?

European starlings, often referred to as common starlings, are among the most common songbirds in North America. In just over 100 years, European starling populations have exploded and their invasive status means many people refer to these birds as pests.

These birds currently live in areas far beyond their native range.While they’re a beautiful sight, their presence often does more harm than good. So, why are European starlings in North America and what can we do about it?

European Starling Identification

European starlings are medium-sized birds that have glossy black plumage during the breeding season. Their feathers may have a tint of purple and/or green with some speckles. Breeding adults also have bright yellow bills.

Non-breeding adults have duller feathers and more prominent speckles. Their beaks are dark-colored instead of yellow. Males and females look nearly identical for both breeding and non-breeding appearances.

Juveniles have solid gray-brown feathers all over, making them look much different than the adults.

Where Do European Starlings Live?

A European starling’s native range is in parts of Europe, Asia, and North Africa. However, their current range extends even further than that. Today, they live across most of continental North America too.

Are European Starlings Invasive?

Yes, European starlings are invasive in North America. Shakespeare enthusiasts brought these birds to North America in the 1890s and released them. They wanted all the birds Shakespeare mentioned in his writing to appear in North America.

People released 100 European starlings into Central Park in New York, and that group of birds reproduced quickly. There are currently about 200 million of these birds across the continent. All the birds are descendants of the original 100 starlings that were let loose.

While the people who brought them to North America probably thought it was a cool idea at the time, these birds are now considered invasive pests, and their numbers keep growing and spreading.

Potential Risks of European Starlings

Like most invasive species, there are many downsides to having these birds around. They may look beautiful, but they can harm wildlife, humans, and property.

Competing with Native Species

One of the biggest risks with invasive species is harming the animals that already live there. Not only do these birds eat food that native species need, but they can also act violently toward other birds. 

They may become aggressive to scare other birds away from food sources and nest areas. They’ve even been spotted pecking holes in the eggs of other birds to prevent them from reproducing. These behaviors are to help European starlings thrive, but they’re putting native birds at risk.

Passing Diseases

While many wild animals can carry diseases, European starlings frequently pass lots of diseases to humans and pets, such as salmonella and blastomycosis. They could also carry parasites like fleas, ticks, and bedbugs.

Harming the Agriculture Industry

Since these birds can pass diseases, they could also infect foods being grown by farmers, along with food and water sources for livestock. They frequently eat fruit and grain crops, destroying them and making them unusable. By interfering with agriculture practices, they’re further making humans and animals sick.

Causing Destruction

European starlings can also cause destruction to buildings, including homes. The biggest concern is their nests clogging important areas of a structure, such as drainpipes and gutters. This could lead to fire hazards and harm the building’s support. In some cases, their acidic droppings could damage buildings.

How to Protect Your Property from European Starlings

These birds multiplied so quickly that removing and relocating them is nearly impossible. To keep European starlings away from your property, focus on preventative measures. Avoid using traps because they could end up capturing and harming native species instead.

Block off Openings and Cavities on Your Home

European starlings can enter pipes and small openings on your property and build nests inside. So, if you know of any potential nesting spots, put up barriers to keep birds out. Put netting on top of drainpipes and replace pieces of shingles and siding that have come loose. 

These birds are less likely to cause damage if they can’t make a nest. To further reduce the chances of nesting, remove piles of brush that are near the structure.

Use Bird Netting to Protect Plants

If you’re growing plants that European starlings may perceive as food, such as fruit and grains, surround your crops with netting. That way, the plants can still receive sunlight and water without birds reaching them.

Choose Foods These Starlings Dislike

Just because these birds are harmful, it doesn’t mean all birds are. If you want to feed native birds without attracting this species, choose bird food and feeders carefully. For example, European starlings have long, soft, and pointed beaks, so they have a hard time eating foods with hard shells. 

They’re also likely to avoid bird feeders that don’t have sturdy perches or feeders that are only accessible from the bottom. They prefer to find somewhere else to eat instead of climbing under a feeder with a cover.

Adjust Nest Boxes

If you offer nest boxes for native birds, you might need to make some adjustments so invasive birds don’t get comfortable inside. European starlings cannot fit into nest boxes with holes that have a 1.5-inch diameter or smaller. 

If you want to offer nest boxes for large birds like woodpeckers and owls, put a small mirror on the back wall of the nest box to scare starlings away.

Deter European Starlings in North America

Like most birds, European starlings can be fascinating to observe, but North American residents shouldn’t encourage the birds onto their properties. Not only are these birds invasive, but they can harm property, humans, and animals. So, finding ways to deter them is the best way to keep your home safe from potential damage.