Starling Facts
Starlings are not native to North America. The birds come from Asia, Africa, Australia, and Europe. Some larger starling species are commonly referred to as myna birds. Mating occurs from early to mid-spring. The lifespan of starlings is approximately between two to three years. Seeds and fruit are big parts of the starling’s diet, along with insects like grubs, and even garbage. Starlings can also transmit Histoplasmosis, a disease that infects the lungs.
Starling Damage
If you see a hunchbacked, short-tailed bird that is about the size of a robin zipping around your yard, it’s most likely a starling. Starlings often be traveling in large flocks that make a lot of noise. The noises starlings make are varied. Starlings can either be incredibly boisterous and irritating, or verge on relaxing. You might also hear sounds that resemble wheezing or whining. In areas such as rafters where starlings roost, droppings may build up. Starlings will often nest in any available hole or cavity in trees, birdhouses, ledges, and barns.
Starling Infestation
If there’s a large population of these birds, they can be incredibly noisy. There have been instances of up to a million starlings gathering together at once. Starling droppings are slippery to walk on, too, so imagine how difficult it becomes if such a large flock is around. These droppings may eventually cause Histoplasmosis, an airborne disease that can affect the lungs of humans.
Starlings may also eat feed reserved for livestock like grain and fruit, and even garbage. It’s also not uncommon for starlings to evict native songbirds from their nests, limiting their populations. Like many other birds, starlings can also cause plane crashes. Because they flock together in such large numbers, starlings can get sucked into the engine, causing the plane to malfunction.
Types of Starlings
Starling Identification
Starling bodies range from six to 11 inches long and are dark brown in color with glossy black plumage. Their wings have patterns on them and are triangular in shape when extended. Starling legs are pink and their beaks are black in the winter and turn yellow in the summer.
Starlings on the Roof & in the Chimney
You’ll find these birds flying in a variety of different environments. Cities, suburbs, and farms will always have potential nesting sites and food for starlings to pick on. They might even show up in parks, fields, and even dumps if they’re desperate for a meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I control a starling nesting problem?
If someone is feeding the starlings, getting them to stop is a good place to start. Taking away free meals is often a deal breaker for these birds. It’s also important to clean up any loose food they may want to binge on. Getting rid of standing water, too, will help discourage them from coming back.
Thinning out any bushes or shrubbery on your property will reduce the number of places the starlings can perch. Noisemakers and and visual disturbances like balloons or reflective tape may scare them off.
To keep them away from buildings, it might be as simple as removing their nests. Sealing any open voids where they could take up residence will also help.
Installing netting under exposed beams and covering chimney openings will also prevent starlings from perching in places like garages and barns.
What are the benefits of professional starling pest control?
A licensed pest control specialist not only removes wildlife pests from a property, but also keeps them from returning. Our experts can handle all sorts of infestations and use a variety of methods to get the job done safely.
If your home, business, or property is facing a starling nesting problem or infestation, contact us. Our technicians can remove the wildlife nuisance and help you regain control of your property and sanity.
