Hello, everyone! Today, let’s talk about the starling, a bird that blends into our daily lives, yet there’s so much we don’t know about it. The starlings we often see in the city form massive flocks in the evening that fill the sky with darkness, a truly impressive sight. Those birds lined up on the power lines? They are actually starlings.
These starlings are actually very clever. They gather their companions from a range of over 10 kilometers to form large groups for their activities. This has the aim of protecting themselves from natural enemies like hawks and owls. They also have the habit of using the same spot as a roost for the season once they settle down. Surprisingly, starlings are not purely urban birds. They prefer to forage on the ground for insects, favoring areas with lawns or fields where the soil is walkable. In other words, where starlings are found, there tends to be unpaved ground. As for their appearance, they are about 24 cm in length, slightly larger than sparrows. They have black heads with white cheeks, brownish wings and chest, a neck, and distinctive yellow feet and beaks. From spring to summer, they enter the breeding season, making nests in tree holes or under the eaves of houses.
In the past, starlings were considered beneficial birds. In times before pesticides, they were valued for eating pests in the fields. However, as urbanization progressed and their habitats changed, starlings have been displaced to cities in increasing numbers. They are sometimes seen as pests, but this can also be seen as a result of human activity.
The flocks of starlings at dusk are like a natural miracle. They may be a bit noisy, but knowing about their ecology, one might find their boisterousness endearing. Their flight is highly calculated, maintaining optimal positions to fly efficiently while avoiding collisions within the flock. For us living with starlings, it is important to understand and respond to them appropriately. And sometimes, it may be necessary to observe their beautiful flight and appreciate their role as members of the natural world. Try to spot a flock of starlings in the evening sky today. You might just make some new discoveries.
