UK Wild - Starling Facts How to spot a starling Starlings are widely seen throughout Britain, and they are at home in towns and the countryside. In winter, the resident British populations, which number about four million breeding pairs in summer, are joined by about 30 million other individuals that migrate here from northern and eastern Europe. The word starling is derived from the old Greek word 'psaros', which means 'spotted' or 'flecked'. Other names for starlings are the Sheep Stare, Sheepster or Chepster. This is because they can often be seen riding on the back of sheep to remove ticks with their sharp beaks.
Starlings are common throughout Britain.
You'll see them in parks, the countryside, in woods and in gardens. It is believed that there are over 1,100,000 starling territories in Britain and a further 360,000 in Ireland. During the winter especially, you'll be able to see big groups of starlings all roosting together - up to 50 at once. You'll be able to hear them too, as they rest, preen and sing. Starlings eat lots of things, including grasses, cereals, insects, worms, berries, foodstuffs taken from the seashore and refuge tips, and also seeds, bread and fruit taken from winter bird tables.