Starling Sturnus vulgaris

The striking starling appears, at first glance, to be black all over. Yet, when the sunlight catches it, an iridescent plumage is revealed which shines purple, gold and green. In the winter the plumage gets slightly speckled with white. The starling is also quite partial to mimicking other sounds.

Conservation status in Norfolk

Although still relatively common, Starlings appear on the Red List of Birds of conservation Concern as numbers have declined by as much as 70%. They are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 which means it is illegal to intentionally kill or injure a starling. Declines are generally due to loss of habitat for feeding and general intensification of farming.

Click to see the Biodiversity Action Plan Species for this species

How to help

Record sightings of starlings on our website for Norfolk biological records centre.
Encourage starlings to your garden by hanging out feeders and putting scraps on a bird table.

Adopt me today and help ensure my future!

Barry Madden

Information on the Starling

How to recognise

The Starling is about the size of a thrush (19-22cm) and appears at first glance to be all black. However a closer inspection will reveal an iridescent plumage which shines purple, gold and green when bathed in sunlight. Their legs are reddish pink and their beak is yellow. Young starlings are brown/grey and attain their adult plumage in late summer. The plumage of adult birds becomes speckled with white in the winter. They are a gregarious species and form very large post-breeding flocks. Some winter roosts are enormous and the birds provide a fantastic spectacle as they wheel across the sky prior to entering the roost en-masse. They fly fast with a silhouette of pointed wings and a short tail.

Where to see

They are still commonly found in most areas of Norfolk and can be seen in gardens foraging for food on grass lawns, eating from feeders and bathing in water baths. Other habitats are grass-rich pasture, grass covered playing fields and refuse tips. Winter roosts can be found at NWT Hickling Broad and RSPB Strumpshaw Fen.

When to see

They are present all year round but numbers increase during the autumn and winter when migrants from Europe enter the country.

Did you know?

Males and females can be distinguished by their beak. The base of their long yellow beak is pink in females and blue in males.

Starlings are great mimics and regularly include the calls of other birds in their repertoire; they have also been recorded mimicking the sounds of mobile phones, wolf whistles and even domestic cats!

Finding out more

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds

Related questions

Where have all the birds gone from my garden?

There are several reasons why this could be. Their absence is particularly noticeable in August and September. During this time there is an abundance of natural food available so birds are not so dependent on feeders in gardens. They will also be moulting their old feathers and growing new ones to protect them during the winter. During this vulnerable time they need the protection of trees and hedges. As winter approaches and natural food becomes scarce then birds will return to bird tables and the essential food they provide. In a harsh winter, the food birds eat can be covered by frost and snow for long periods of time, but in a mild winter, birds are under less pressure to find food, and while there are still berries and insects available in the countryside they are less likely to visit gardens.

In addition a national decline of some species including sparrows and starlings has been recorded. Although the reasons for this are not clear, it is believed that changes in farming techniques have meant that less food is readily available for these species.

What is the best position for a bird nest box?

Facing it between north and east is best to avoid the worst of the sunlight, wind and rain. If the nest box is tilted forward slightly it will help any rain run off. It is important that the entrance is clear to enable birds to have an easy flight path.

The height the nest box should be placed depends on the species it is intended for. Boxes for tits, sparrows, spotted flycatchers and starlings are best placed 2 to 4 metres high, whereas open fronted nest boxes designed for robins and wrens are best placed lower down in thick cover at between 1 and 2m above ground. Woodpecker boxes can be higher at 5-10m and placed on a tree truck.

Boxes for barn owls and kestrels need to be sighted overlooking open land on the edge of woodland or on farmland. Tawny owl boxes are best within woodland itself. They should be placed at least 5 metres above the ground.

Facebook - Become a fan

Twitter - Follow @SupportNWT

Home Sitemap Privacy Policy Terms of Use Manage your account Search Vacancies Contact Us on 01603 625540