Wildstock
About
Starlings are very familiar birds of farmland, parks, gardens and towns. Sociable birds, they spend a lot of their time in large flocks, roosting and performing sweeping, aerial displays - they can often be seen moving fluidly through a winter's sky. Starlings eat insects and fruit, and will visit birdtables and feeders. Starlings make untidy nests in holes in trees or in buildings, in which the female lays five to seven eggs. Both parents raise the chicks.
How to identify
Unmistakeable: adult Starlings are a beautiful, oily black colour, with a purple and green sheen. In the winter, they are covered in tiny beige spots. Young Starlings are dark grey-brown.
Where to find it
Widespread.
Habitats
When to find it
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- Novermber
- December
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
How can people help
Although one of the UK's most common garden birds, the Starling is declining elsewhere. Here, The Wildlife Trusts are helping to protect Starlings and other birds by working closely with farmers, landowners and developers to promote wildlife-friendly practices. We are working towards a 'Living Landscape': a network of habitats and wildlife corridors across town and country, which are good for both wildlife and people. You can support this greener vision for the future by joining your local Wildlife Trust.