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The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female approaches his nest . Following copulation , the male and female continue to build the nest . Nests may be in any type of hole , common locations include inside hollowed trees , buildings , tree stumps and man @-@ made nest @-@ boxes . S. v. zetlandicus typically breeds in crevices and holes in cliffs , a habitat only rarely used by the nominate form . Nests are typically made out of straw , dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers , wool and soft leaves . Construction usually takes four or five days and may continue through incubation .

The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more so when a female <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>approaches</mark></a> his nest . Following copulation , the male and female continue to build the nest . Nests may be in any type of hole , common locations include inside hollowed trees , buildings , tree stumps and man @-@ made nest @-@ boxes . S. v. zetlandicus typically <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>breeds</mark></a> in crevices and holes in cliffs , a habitat only rarely used by the nominate form . Nests are typically made out of straw , dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers , wool and soft leaves . Construction usually <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>takes</mark></a> four or five days and may continue through incubation .

The males sing throughout much of the construction and even more soo when a female approach his nest . Following copulation , the male and female continue to build da nest . Nests may b in any type of hole , common locations include inside hollowed trees , buildings , tree stumps and man @-@ made nest @-@ boxes . S. v. zetlandicus typically breed in crevices and holes in cliffs , a habitat only rarely used by tdanominate form . Nests r typically made out of straw , dry grass and twigs with an inner lining made up of feathers , wool and soft leaves . Construction usually take four or five days and may continue through incubation .

Common starlings are both monogamous and polygamous ; although broods are generally brought up by one male and one female , occasionally the pair may have an extra helper . Pairs may be part of a colony , in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees . Males may mate with a second female while the first is still on the nest . The reproductive success of the bird is poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and is better when the male remains monogamous .

Common starlings are both monogamous and polygamous ; although broods are generally brought up by one male and one female , occasionally the pair may have an extra helper . Pairs may be part of a colony , in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees . Males may mate with a second female while the first <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>is</mark></a>still on the nest . The reproductive success of the bird <a href='drop_aux' title='2'><mark>is</mark></a>poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>is</mark></a>better when the male <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>remains</mark></a> monogamous .

Common starlings r both monogamous and polygamous ; although broods are generally brought up by one male and one female , occasionally da pair may have an extra helper . Pairs may b part of a colony , in which case several other nests may occupy the same or nearby trees . Males may mate with a second female while tdafirst still on the nest . Thdaeproductive success of thedard poorer in the second nest than it is in the primary nest and betta when the male remain monogamous .

= = = Breeding = = =

= = = Breeding = = =

= = = Breeding = = =

Breeding takes place during the spring and summer . Following copulation , the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days . If an egg is lost during this time , she will lay another to replace it . There are normally four or five eggs that are ovoid in shape and pale blue or occasionally white , and they commonly have a glossy appearance . The colour of the eggs seems to have evolved through the relatively good visibility of blue at low light levels . The egg size is 26 @.@ 5 – 34 @.@ 5 mm ( 1 @.@ 04 – 1 @.@ 36 in ) in length and 20 @.@ 0 – 22 @.@ 5 mm ( 0 @.@ 79 – 0 @.@ 89 in ) in maximum diameter .

Breeding <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>takes</mark></a> place during the spring and summer . Following copulation , the female lays eggs on a daily basis over a period of several days . If an egg is lost during this time , she will lay another to replace it . <a href='dey_it' title='2'><mark>There</mark></a> are normally four or five eggs <a href='null_relcl' title='3'><mark>that</mark></a><a href='drop_aux' title='4'><mark>are</mark></a>ovoid in shape and pale blue or occasionally white , and they commonly <a href='got' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> a glossy appearance . The colour of the eggs <a href='uninflect' title='6'><mark>seems</mark></a> to <a href='been_done' title='7'><mark>have</mark></a> evolved through the relatively good visibility of blue at low light levels . The egg size <a href='drop_aux' title='8'><mark>is</mark></a>26 @.@ 5 – 34 @.@ 5 mm ( 1 @.@ 04 – 1 @.@ 36 in ) in length and 20 @.@ 0 – 22 @.@ 5 mm ( 0 @.@ 79 – 0 @.@ 89 in ) in maximum diameter .

Breeding take place durin the spring and summer . Following copulation , the female lays eggs on a daily basis ova a period of several days . If an egg is lost during this time , she gon lay anotha to replace it . It is normally four or five eggs ovoid in shape and pale blue or occasionally white , and they commonly got a glossy appearance . da colour of the eggs seem to done evolved thru the relatively gud visibility of blue at low light levels . The egg size 26 @.@ 5 – 34 @.@ 5 mm ( 1 @.@ 04 – 1 @.@ 36 in ) in length and 20 @.@ 0 – 22 @.@ 5 mm ( 0 @.@ 79 – 0 @.@ 89 in ) in maximum diameter .

Incubation lasts thirteen days , although the last egg laid may take 24 hours longer than the first to hatch . Both parents share the responsibility of brooding the eggs , but the female spends more time incubating them than does the male , and is the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost . The young are born blind and naked . They develop light fluffy down within seven days of hatching and can see within nine days . Once the chicks are able to regulate their body temperature , about six days after hatching , the adults largely cease removing droppings from the nest . Prior to that , the fouling would wet both the chicks ' plumage and the nest material , thereby reducing their effectiveness as insulation and increasing the risk of chilling the hatchlings . Nestlings remain in the nest for three weeks , where they are fed continuously by both parents . Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another one or two weeks . A pair can raise up to three broods per year , frequently reusing and relining the same nest , although two broods is typical , or just one north of 48oN . Within two months , most juveniles will have moulted and gained their first basic plumage . They acquire their adult plumage the following year . As with other passerines , the nest is kept clean and the chicks ' faecal sacs are removed by the adults .

Incubation <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>lasts</mark></a> thirteen days , although the last egg laid may take 24 hours longer than the first to hatch . Both parents share the responsibility of brooding the eggs , but the female <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>spends</mark></a> more time incubating them than <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>does</mark></a> the male , and <a href='drop_aux' title='4'><mark>is</mark></a>the only parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost . The young are born blind and naked . They develop light fluffy down within seven days of hatching and can see within nine days . Once the chicks <a href='drop_aux' title='5'><mark>are</mark></a>able to regulate their body temperature , about six days after hatching , the adults largely cease removing droppings from the nest . Prior to that , the fouling would wet both the chicks <a href='null_genetive' title='6'><mark>'</mark></a>plumage and the nest material , thereby reducing their effectiveness as insulation and increasing the risk of chilling the hatchlings . Nestlings remain in the nest for three weeks , where they are fed continuously by both parents . Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents for another one or two weeks . A pair can raise up to three broods per year , frequently reusing and relining the same nest , although two broods <a href='drop_aux' title='7'><mark>is</mark></a>typical , or just one north of 48oN . Within two months , most juveniles will <a href='been_done' title='8'><mark>have</mark></a> moulted and gained their first basic plumage . They acquire their adult plumage the following year . As with other passerines , the nest is kept clean and the chicks <a href='null_genetive' title='9'><mark>'</mark></a>faecal sacs are removed by the adults .

Incubation last thirteen dayz , although da last egg laid may take 24 hours longer den tdafirst to hatch . Both parents share the responsibility of brooding the eggs , but thdaemale spend more time incubating them than do the male , and thedaly parent to do so at night when the male returns to the communal roost . The dang r born blind and naked . They develop light fluffy down within seven days of hatching and can see within nine days . Once the cdaks able to regulate their body temperature , bou six dayz after hatching , the addas largely cease removing droppings from the nest . Prior to dat , the fouling would wet both the chicks plumage and the nesdaaterial , thereby reducing their effectiveness as insulation and increasing the riskda chilling the hatchlings . Nestlings remain in the nest for three weeks , where they arred continuously by both parents . Fledglings continue to be fed by their parents fir another one or 2 weeks . A pair can raise up to three broods per year , frequently reusing and relining the same nest , although tw2roods typical , or just one north of 48oN . Within two months , most juveniles gon done moulted and gained their first basic plumage . They acquire their adult plumage the follodag year . As with other passerines , the nest is kept clean and the chicks faecal sacs are removed by the adults .

Intraspecific brood parasites are common in common starling nests . Female " floaters " ( unpaired females during the breeding season ) present in colonies often lay eggs in another pair 's nest . Fledglings have also been reported to invade their own or neighbouring nests and evict a new brood . Common starling nests have a 48 % to 79 % rate of successful fledging , although only 20 % of nestlings survive to breeding age ; the adult survival rate is closer to 60 % . The average life span is about 2 – 3 years , with a longevity record of 22 yr 11 m .

Intraspecific brood parasites <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>common in common starling nests . Female " floaters " ( unpaired females during the breeding season ) present in colonies often <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>lay</mark></a> eggs in another pair <a href='null_genetive' title='3'><mark>'s</mark></a>nest . Fledglings <a href='been_done' title='4'><mark>have</mark></a> also been reported to invade their own or neighbouring nests and evict a new brood . Common starling nests <a href='got' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> a 48 % to 79 % rate of successful fledging , although only 20 % of nestlings survive to breeding age ; the adult survival rate is closer to 60 % . The average life span <a href='drop_aux' title='6'><mark>is</mark></a>about 2 – 3 years , with a longevity record of 22 yr 11 m .

Intraspecific brood parasites common in common starling nests . Female " floaters " ( unpaired females during the breeding season ) present in colonies often lie eggs in another pair nest . Fledglings done also been reported to invade their own or neighbouring nests and evict a new brood . Common starling nests got a 48 % to 79 % rate of successful fledging , although only 20 % of nestlings survive to breeding age ; da adult survival rate is closer to 60 % . Tdaaverage life span bou 2 – 3 yrs , with a longevity record of 22 yr 11 m .

= = Predators and parasites = =

= = Predators and parasites = =

= = Predators and parasites = =

A majority of starling predators are avian . The typical response of starling groups is to take flight , with a common sight being undulating flocks of starling flying high in quick and agile patterns . Their abilities in flight are seldom matched by birds of prey . Adult common starlings are hunted by hawks such as the northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) and Eurasian sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus ) , and falcons including the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) , Eurasian hobby ( Falco subbuteo ) and common kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) . Slower raptors like black and red kites ( Milvus migrans & milvus ) , eastern imperial eagle ( Aquila heliaca ) , common buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) and Australasian harrier ( Circus approximans ) tend to take the more easily caught fledglings or juveniles . While perched in groups by night , they can be vulnerable to owls , including the little owl ( Athene noctua ) , long @-@ eared owl ( Asio otus ) , short @-@ eared owl ( Asio flammeus ) , barn owl ( Tyto alba ) , tawny owl ( Strix aluco ) and Eurasian eagle @-@ owl ( Bubo bubo ) .

A majority of starling predators <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>avian . The typical response of starling groups is to take flight , with a common sight being undulating flocks of starling flying high in quick and agile patterns . Their abilities in flight are seldom matched by birds of prey . Adult common starlings are hunted by hawks such as the northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) and Eurasian sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus ) , and falcons including the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) , Eurasian hobby ( Falco subbuteo ) and common kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) . Slower raptors like black and red kites ( Milvus migrans & milvus ) , eastern imperial eagle ( Aquila heliaca ) , common buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) and Australasian harrier ( Circus approximans ) tend to take the more easily caught fledglings or juveniles . While perched in groups by night , they can be vulnerable to owls , including the little owl ( Athene noctua ) , long @-@ eared owl ( Asio otus ) , short @-@ eared owl ( Asio flammeus ) , barn owl ( Tyto alba ) , tawny owl ( Strix aluco ) and Eurasian eagle @-@ owl ( Bubo bubo ) .

A majority of starling predators avian . The typical response of starling groups is to take flight , with a common sight being undulating flocks of starling flyin high in quick and agile patterns . Their abilities in flight r seldom matched by birds of prey . Adult common starlings are hunted by hawks such as da northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) and Eurasian sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus ) , and falcons including tdaperegrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) , Eurasian hobby ( Falco subbuteo ) and common kestrel ( Falco tinnunculus ) . Slower raptors like black and red kites ( Milvus migrans & milvus ) , eastern imperial eagle ( Aquila heliaca ) , common buzzard ( Buteo buteo ) and Australasian harrier ( Circus approximans ) tend to take the more easily caught fledglings or juveniles . While perched in groups by night , they can be vulnerable to owls , including the little owl ( Athene noctua ) , long @-@ eared owl ( Asio otus ) , short @-@ eared owl ( Asio flammeus ) , barn owl ( Tyto alba ) , tawny owl ( Strix aluco ) and Eurasian eagle @-@ owl ( Bubo bubo ) .

More than twenty species of hawk , owl and falcon are known to occasionally predate feral starlings in North America , though the most regular predators of adults are likely to be urban @-@ living peregrine falcons or merlins ( Falco columbarius ) . Common mynas ( Acridotheres tristis ) sometimes evict eggs , nestlings and adult common starlings from their nests , and the lesser honeyguide ( Indicator minor ) , a brood parasite , uses the common starling as a host . Starlings are more commonly the culprits rather than victims of nest eviction however , especially towards other starlings and woodpeckers . Nests can be raided by animals capable of climbing to them , such as stoats ( Mustela erminea ) , raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and squirrels ( Sciurus spp . ) , and cats may catch the unwary .

More than twenty species of hawk , owl and falcon are known to occasionally predate feral starlings in North America , though the most regular predators of adults <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>likely to be urban @-@ living peregrine falcons or merlins ( Falco columbarius ) . Common mynas ( Acridotheres tristis ) sometimes evict eggs , nestlings and adult common starlings from their nests , and the lesser honeyguide ( Indicator minor ) , a brood parasite , <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>uses</mark></a> the common starling as a host . Starlings <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>are</mark></a>more commonly the culprits rather than victims of nest eviction however , especially towards other starlings and woodpeckers . Nests can be raided by animals capable of climbing to them , such as stoats ( Mustela erminea ) , raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and squirrels ( Sciurus spp . ) , and cats may catch the unwary .

More den twenty species of hawk , owl and falcon are known to occasionally predate feral starlings in North America , doe the most regular predators of adults likely to be urban @-@ living peregrine falcons or merlins ( Falco columbarius ) . Common mynas ( Acridotheres tristis ) sometimes evict eggs , nestlings and adult common starlings from their nests , and the lesser honeyguide ( Indicator minor ) , a brood parasite , use da common starling as a host . Starlings more commonly tdaculprits rather tdenvictims of nest eviction however , especially towards other starlings and woodpeckers . Nests can be raided by animals capable of climbing to em , such as stoats ( Mustela erminea ) , raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) and squirrels ( Sciurus spp . ) , and cats may catch the unwary .

Common starlings are hosts to a wide range of parasites . A survey of three hundred common starlings from six US states found that all had at least one type of parasite ; 99 % had external fleas , mites or ticks , and 95 % carried internal parasites , mostly various types of worm . Blood @-@ sucking species leave their host when it dies , but other external parasites stay on the corpse . A bird with a deformed bill was heavily infested with Mallophaga lice , presumably due to its inability to remove vermin .

Common starlings <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>hosts to a wide range of parasites . A survey of three hundred common starlings from six US states found that all had at least one type of parasite ; 99 % had external fleas , mites or ticks , and 95 % carried internal parasites , mostly various types of worm . Blood @-@ sucking species leave their host when it <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>dies</mark></a> , but other external parasites stay on the corpse . A bird with a deformed bill was heavily infested with Mallophaga lice , presumably due to its inability to remove vermin .

Common starlings hosts to a wide range of parasites . A survey of three hundred common starlings from six US states found that all had at least one type of parasite ; 99 % had external fleas , mites or ticks , and 95 % carried internal parasites , mostly various types of worm . Blood @-@ sucking species leave their host when it die , but other external parasites stay on the corpse . A bird with a deformed bill was heavily infested with Mallophaga lice , presumably due to its inability to remove vermin .

The hen flea ( Ceratophyllus gallinae ) is the most common flea in their nests . The small , pale house @-@ sparrow flea C. fringillae , is also occasionally found there and probably arises from the habit of its main host of taking over the nests of other species . This flea does not occur in the US , even on house sparrows . Lice include Menacanthus eurystemus , Brueelia nebulosa and Stumidoecus sturni . Other arthropod parasites include Ixodes ticks and mites such as Analgopsis passerinus , Boydaia stumi , Dermanyssus gallinae , Ornithonyssus bursa , O. sylviarum , Proctophyllodes species , Pteronyssoides truncatus and Trouessartia rosteri . The hen mite D. gallinae is itself preyed upon by the predatory mite Androlaelaps casalis . The presence of this control on numbers of the parasitic species may explain why birds are prepared to reuse old nests .

The hen flea ( Ceratophyllus gallinae ) <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>is</mark></a>the most common flea in their nests . The small , pale house @-@ sparrow flea C. fringillae , is also occasionally found there and probably <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>arises</mark></a> from the habit of its main host of taking over the nests of other species . This flea <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>does</mark></a> not occur in the US , even on house <a href='negative_concord' title='4'><mark>sparrows</mark></a> . Lice include Menacanthus eurystemus , Brueelia nebulosa and Stumidoecus sturni . Other arthropod parasites include Ixodes ticks and mites such as Analgopsis passerinus , Boydaia stumi , Dermanyssus gallinae , Ornithonyssus bursa , O. sylviarum , Proctophyllodes species , Pteronyssoides truncatus and Trouessartia rosteri . The hen mite D. gallinae is itself preyed upon by the predatory mite Androlaelaps casalis . The presence of this control on numbers of the parasitic species may explain why birds are prepared to reuse old nests .

The hen flea ( Ceratophyllus gallinae ) the most common flea in their nests . da small , pale house @-@ sparrow flea C. fringillae , is also occasionally found thea and deff arise from tdahabit of its main host of taking ova the nests of other species . This flea do not occur in the US , even on house no sparrows . Lice include Menacanthus eurystemus , Brueelia nebulosa and Stumidoecus sturni . Other arthropod parasites include Ixodes ticks and mites such as Analgopsis passerinus , Boydaia stumi , Dermanyssus gallinae , Ornithonyssus bursa , O. sylviarum , Proctophyllodes species , Pteronyssoides truncatus and Trouessartia rosteri . Thdaen mite D. gallinae is itself preyed upon by the predatory mite Androlaelaps casalis . The presence of this control on numbers of the parasitic species may explain y birds are prepared to reuse old nests .

Flying insects that parasitise common starlings include the louse @-@ fly Omithomya nigricornis and the saprophagous fly Camus hemapterus . The latter species breaks off the feathers of its host and lives on the fats produced by growing plumage . Larvae of the moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella are nest scavengers , which feed on animal material such as faeces or dead nestlings . Protozoan blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus have been found in common starlings , but a better known pest is the brilliant scarlet nematode Syngamus trachea . This worm moves from the lungs to the trachea and may cause its host to suffocate . In Britain , the rook and the common starling are the most infested wild birds . Other recorded internal parasites include the spiny @-@ headed worm Prosthorhynchus transverses .

Flying insects <a href='null_relcl' title='1'><mark>that</mark></a>parasitise common starlings include the louse @-@ fly Omithomya nigricornis and the saprophagous fly Camus hemapterus . The latter species <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>breaks</mark></a> off the feathers of its host and <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>lives</mark></a> on the fats produced by growing plumage . Larvae of the moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella <a href='drop_aux' title='4'><mark>are</mark></a>nest scavengers , which feed on animal material such as faeces or dead nestlings . Protozoan blood parasites of the genus Haemoproteus <a href='been_done' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> been found in common starlings , but a better known pest <a href='drop_aux' title='6'><mark>is</mark></a>the brilliant scarlet nematode Syngamus trachea . This worm <a href='uninflect' title='7'><mark>moves</mark></a> from the lungs to the trachea and may cause its host to suffocate . In Britain , the rook and the common starling <a href='drop_aux' title='8'><mark>are</mark></a>the most infested wild birds . Other recorded internal parasites include the spiny @-@ headed worm Prosthorhynchus transverses .

Flying roaches parasitise common starlings include da louse @-@ fly Omithomya nigricornis and the saprophagous fly Camus hemapterus . Tdalatter species break offf the feathers of its host and live on the fats produced by growing plumage . Larvae of the moth Hofmannophila pseudospretella nest scavengers , which feed on animal material such as faeces or dead nestlings . Protozoan blood parasites of thdaenus Haemoproteus done been found in common starlings , but a better known pest thedailliant scarlet nematode Syngamus trachea . dis worm move from the lungs to the trachea and may cause its host to suffocate . In Britain , the dak and the cdaon starling the modainfested wild birds . Other recorded internal parasites include the spida@-@ headed worm Prosthorhynchus transverses .

Common starlings may contract avian tuberculosis , avian malaria and retrovirus @-@ induced lymphomas . Captive starlings often accumulate excess iron in the liver , a condition that can be prevented by adding black tea @-@ leaves to the food .

Common starlings may contract avian tuberculosis , avian malaria and retrovirus @-@ induced lymphomas . Captive starlings often accumulate excess iron in the liver , a condition <a href='null_relcl' title='1'><mark>that</mark></a>can be prevented by adding black tea @-@ <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>leaves</mark></a> to the food .

Common starlings may contract avian tuberculosis , avian malaria and retrovirus @-@ induced lymphomas . Captive starlings often accumulate excess iron in da liver , a condition can b prevented by adding black tea @-@ leave to tdafood .

= = Distribution and habitat = =

= = Distribution and habitat = =

= = Distribution and habitat = =

The global population of common starlings was estimated to be 310 million individuals in 2004 , occupying a total area of 8 @,@ 870 @,@ 000 km2 ( 3 @,@ 420 @,@ 000 sq mi ) . Widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere , the bird is native to Eurasia and is found throughout Europe , northern Africa ( from Morocco to Egypt ) , India ( mainly in the north but regularly extending further south and extending into the Maldives ) Nepal , the Middle East including Syria , Iran , and Iraq and north @-@ western China .

The global population of common starlings was estimated to be 310 million individuals in 2004 , occupying a total area of 8 @,@ 870 @,@ 000 km2 ( 3 @,@ 420 @,@ 000 sq mi ) . Widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere , the bird <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>is</mark></a>native to Eurasia and is found throughout Europe , northern Africa ( from Morocco to Egypt ) , India ( mainly in the north but regularly extending further south and extending into the Maldives ) Nepal , the Middle East including Syria , Iran , and Iraq and north @-@ western China .

The global population of common starlings was estimated to b 310 million individuals in 2004 , occupying a total area of 8 @,@ 870 @,@ 000 km2 ( 3 @,@ 420 @,@ 000 sq mi ) . Widespread throughout the Northern Hemisphere , the bird native to Eurasia and is found throughout Europe , northern Africa ( from Morocco to Egypt ) , India ( mainly in the north but regularly extending further south and extending into da Maldives ) Nepal , tdaMiddle East including Syria , Iran , and Iraq and north @-@ western China .

Common starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40oN are mainly resident , although other populations migrate from regions where the winter is harsh , the ground frozen and food scarce . Large numbers of birds from northern Europe , Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards . In the autumn , when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe , many of Britain 's common starlings are setting off for Iberia and North Africa . Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross . Of the 15 @,@ 000 birds ringed as nestlings in Merseyside , England , individuals have been recovered at various times of year as far afield as Norway , Sweden , Finland , Russia , Ukraine , Poland , Germany and the Low Countries . Small numbers of common starling have sporadically been observed in Japan and Hong Kong but it is unclear from where these birds originated . In North America , northern populations have developed a migration pattern , vacating much of Canada in winter . Birds in the east of the country move southwards , and those from further west winter in the southwest of the US .

Common starlings in the south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40oN <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>mainly resident , although other populations migrate from regions where the winter <a href='drop_aux' title='2'><mark>is</mark></a>harsh , the ground frozen and food scarce . Large numbers of birds from northern Europe , Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards . In the autumn , when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe , many of Britain <a href='null_genetive' title='3'><mark>'s</mark></a>common starlings are setting off for Iberia and North Africa . Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and the pathways of these different streams of bird may cross . Of the 15 @,@ 000 birds ringed as nestlings in Merseyside , England , individuals <a href='been_done' title='4'><mark>have</mark></a> been recovered at various times of year as far afield as Norway , Sweden , Finland , Russia , Ukraine , Poland , Germany and the Low Countries . Small numbers of common starling <a href='been_done' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> sporadically been observed in Japan and Hong Kong but it <a href='drop_aux' title='6'><mark>is</mark></a>unclear from where these birds originated . In North America , northern populations <a href='been_done' title='7'><mark>have</mark></a> developed a migration pattern , vacating much of Canada in winter . Birds in the east of the country move southwards , and those from further west winter in the southwest of the US .

Common starlings in da south and west of Europe and south of latitude 40oN mainly resident , although other populations migrate from regions where tdawinter harsh , thdaround frozen and food scarce . bigass numbers of birds from northern Europe , Russia and Ukraine migrate south westwards or south eastwards . In the autumn , when immigrants are arriving from eastern Europe , many of Britain common starlings are settin offf for Iberia and North Africa . Other groups of birds are in passage across the country and thedathways of dem diffrent streams of bird may cross . Of the da@,@ 000 birds ringed as nestlings in Merseyside , England , individuals done been recovered at various times of year as far afield as Norway , Sweden , Finland , Russia , Ukraine , Poland , Germany and the LdaCountries . Small numbers of common starling done sporadically been observed in Japan and Hong Kong but it unclear from where these birds originated . In North America , northern populations done developed a migration pattern , vacating much of Canada in winter . Birds in the eadaof the country move southwards , and those from further west winter in the soudaest of the US .

Common starlings prefer urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites . Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and the birds commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland , grazing pastures , playing fields , golf courses and airfields where short grass makes foraging easy . They occasionally inhabit open forests and woodlands and are sometimes found in shrubby areas such as Australian heathland . Common starlings rarely inhabit dense , wet forests ( i.e. rainforests or wet sclerophyll forests ) but are found in coastal areas , where they nest and roost on cliffs and forage amongst seaweed . Their ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed them to disperse and establish themselves in diverse locations around the world resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests , from sea cliffs to mountain ranges 1 @,@ 900 m ( 6 @,@ 200 ft ) above sea level .

Common starlings prefer urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites . Reedbeds are also favoured for roosting and the birds commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland , grazing pastures , playing fields , golf courses and airfields where short grass <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>makes</mark></a> foraging easy . They occasionally inhabit open forests and woodlands and are sometimes found in shrubby areas such as Australian heathland . Common starlings rarely inhabit dense , wet forests ( i.e. rainforests or wet sclerophyll forests ) but are found in coastal areas , where they nest and roost on cliffs and forage amongst seaweed . Their ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> allowed them to disperse and establish themselves in diverse locations around the world resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests , from sea cliffs to mountain ranges 1 @,@ 900 m ( 6 @,@ 200 ft ) above sea level .

Common starlings prefer urban or suburban areas where artificial structures and trees provide adequate nesting and roosting sites . Reedbeds r also favoured fir roosting and the birds commonly feed in grassy areas such as farmland , grazing pastures , playing fields , golf courses and airfields where short grass make foraging easy . They occasionally inhabit open forests and woodlands and arrometimes found in shrubby areas such as Australian heathland . Common starlings rarely inhabit dense , wet forests ( i.e. rainforests or wet sclerophyll forests ) but are rnd in coastal areas , where they nest and roost on cliffs and forage amongst seaweed . Their ability to adapt to a bigass variety of habitats done allowed them to disperse and establish theyself in diverse locations around the world resulting in a habitat range from coastal wetlands to alpine forests , from sea cliffs to mountain ranges 1 @,@ 900 m ( 6 @,@ 200 ft ) above sea level .

= = = Introduced populations = = =

= = = Introduced populations = = =

= = = Introduced populations = = =

The common starling has been introduced to and has successfully established itself in New Zealand , Australia , South Africa , North America , Fiji and several Caribbean islands . As a result , it has also been able to migrate to Thailand , Southeast Asia and New Guinea .

The common starling <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>has</mark></a> been introduced to and <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> successfully established itself in New Zealand , Australia , South Africa , North America , Fiji and several Caribbean islands . As a result , it <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>has</mark></a> also been able to migrate to Thailand , Southeast Asia and New Guinea .

Da common starling done been introduced to and done successfully established itself in New Zealand , Australia , South Africa , North America , Fiji and several Caribbean islands . As a result , it have also been able to migrate to Thailand , Southeast Asia and New Guinea .

= = = = South America = = = =

= = = = South America = = = =

= = = = South America = = = =

Five individuals conveyed on a ship from England alighted near Lago de Maracaibo in Venezuela in November 1949 , but subsequently vanished . In 1987 , a small population of common starlings was observed nesting in gardens in the city of Buenos Aires . Since then , despite some initial attempts at eradication , the bird has been expanding its breeding range at an average rate of 7 @.@ 5 km ( 4 @.@ 7 mi ) per year , keeping within 30 km ( 19 mi ) of the Atlantic coast . In Argentina , the species makes use of a variety of natural and man @-@ made nesting sites , particularly woodpecker holes .

Five individuals conveyed on a ship from England alighted near Lago de Maracaibo in Venezuela in November 1949 , but subsequently vanished . In 1987 , a small population of common starlings was observed nesting in gardens in the city of Buenos Aires . Since then , despite some initial attempts at eradication , the bird <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>has</mark></a> been expanding its breeding range at an average rate of 7 @.@ 5 km ( 4 @.@ 7 mi ) per year , keeping within 30 km ( 19 mi ) of the Atlantic coast . In Argentina , the species <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>makes</mark></a> use of a variety of natural and man @-@ made nesting sites , particularly woodpecker holes .

Five individuals conveyed on a ship from England alighted near Lago de Maracaibo in Venezuela in November 1949 , but subsequently vanished . In 1987 , a small population of common starlings was observed nesting in gardens in the city of Buenos Aires . Since then , despite some initial attempts at eradication , da bird have been expanding its breeding range at an average rate of 7 @.@ 5 km ( 4 @.@ 7 mi ) per year , keepin within 30 km ( 19 mi ) of the Atlantic coast . In Argentina , tdaspecies make use of a variety of natural and man @-@ made nesting sites , particularly woodpecker holes .

= = = = Australia = = = =

= = = = Australia = = = =

= = = = Australia = = = =

The common starling was introduced to Australia to consume insect pests of farm crops . Early settlers looked forward to their arrival , believing that common starlings were also important for the pollination of flax , a major agricultural product . Nest @-@ boxes for the newly released birds were placed on farms and near crops . The common starling was introduced to Melbourne in 1857 and Sydney two decades later . By the 1880s , established populations were present in the southeast of the country thanks to the work of acclimatisation committees . By the 1920s , common starlings were widespread throughout Victoria , Queensland and New South Wales , but by then they were considered to be pests . Although common starlings were first sighted in Albany , Western Australia in 1917 , they have been largely prevented from spreading to the state . The wide and arid Nullarbor Plain provides a natural barrier and control measures have been adopted that have killed 55 @,@ 000 birds over three decades . The common starling has also colonised Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island .

The common starling was introduced to Australia to consume insect pests of farm crops . Early settlers looked forward to their arrival , believing that common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> also important for the pollination of flax , a major agricultural product . Nest @-@ boxes for the newly released birds <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>were</mark></a> placed on farms and near crops . The common starling was introduced to Melbourne in 1857 and Sydney two decades later . By the 1880s , established populations<a href='been_done' title='3'><mark></mark></a> <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>were</mark></a> present in the southeast of the country thanks to the work of acclimatisation committees . By the 1920s , common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='5'><mark>were</mark></a> widespread throughout Victoria , Queensland and New South Wales , but by then they <a href='uninflect' title='6'><mark>were</mark></a> considered to be pests . Although common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='7'><mark>were</mark></a> first sighted in Albany , Western Australia in 1917 , they <a href='been_done' title='8'><mark>have</mark></a> been largely prevented from spreading to the state . The wide and arid Nullarbor Plain <a href='uninflect' title='9'><mark>provides</mark></a> a natural barrier and control measures <a href='been_done' title='10'><mark>have</mark></a> been adopted <a href='null_relcl' title='11'><mark>that</mark></a><a href='been_done' title='12'><mark>have</mark></a> killed 55 @,@ 000 birds over three decades . The common starling <a href='been_done' title='13'><mark>has</mark></a> also colonised Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island .

Da common starling was introduced to Australia to consume insect pests of farm crops . Early settlers looked forward to their arrival , believing dat common starlings was also important for tdapollination of flax , a major agricultural product . Nest @-@ boxes fa thdaewly released birds was placed on farms and near crops . Thedammon starling was introduced to Melbourne in 1857 and Sydney two decades later . By the 1880s , established populations been was present in the southeast of the country thanx to the wrk of acclimatisation committees . By the 1920s , common starlings was widespread throughout Victoria , Queensland and New South Wales , but by then they was considered to be pests . Although common starlings was first sighted in Albany , Western Australia in 1917 , they done been largely prevented from spreading to the date . The wide and arid Nullarbor Plain provide a natural barrier and control measures done been adopted done killed 55 @,@ 000 birds over three decades . The common starling done also colonised Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island .

= = = = New Zealand = = = =

= = = = New Zealand = = = =

= = = = New Zealand = = = =

The early settlers in New Zealand cleared the bush and found their newly planted crops were invaded by hordes of caterpillars and other insects deprived of their previous food sources . Native birds were not habituated to living in close proximity to man so the common starling was introduced from Europe to control the pests . It was first brought over in 1862 by the Nelson Acclimatisation Society and other introductions followed . The birds soon became established and are now found all over the country including the subtropical Kermadec Islands to the north and the equally distant Macquarie Island far to the south .

The early settlers in New Zealand cleared the bush and found their newly planted crops <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> invaded by hordes of caterpillars and other insects deprived of their previous food sources . Native birds <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>were</mark></a> not habituated to living in close proximity to man so the common starling was introduced from Europe to control the pests . It was first brought over in 1862 by the Nelson Acclimatisation Society and other introductions followed . The birds soon became established and are now found all over the country including the subtropical Kermadec Islands to the north and the equally distant Macquarie Island far to the south .

The early settlers in New Zealand cleared da bush and found their newly planted crops was invaded by hordes of caterpillars and other roaches deprived of their previous food sources . Native birds was not habituated to living in close proximity to man so the common starling was introduced from Europe to control the pests . It was first brought over in 1862 by tdaNelson Acclimatisation Society and other introductions followed . The birds soon became established and are now found alll over the country including the subtropical Kermadec Islands to the north and the equally distant Macquarie Island far to the south .

= = = = North America = = = =

= = = = North America = = = =

= = = = North America = = = =

After two failed attempts , about 60 common starlings were released in 1890 into New York 's Central Park by Eugene Schieffelin . He was president of the American Acclimatization Society , which tried to introduce every bird species mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare into North America . About the same date , the Portland Song Bird Club released 35 pairs of common starlings in Portland , Oregon . These birds became established but disappeared around 1902 . Common starlings reappeared in the Pacific Northwest in the mid @-@ 1940s and these birds were probably descendants of the 1890 Central Park introduction . The original 60 birds have since swelled in number to 150 million , occupying an area extending from southern Canada and Alaska to Central America .

After two failed attempts , about 60 common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> released in 1890 into New York <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>Central Park by Eugene Schieffelin . He was president of the American Acclimatization Society , which tried to introduce every bird species mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare into North America . About the same date , the Portland Song Bird Club<a href='been_done' title='3'><mark></mark></a> released 35 pairs of common starlings in Portland , Oregon . These birds became established but disappeared around 1902 . Common starlings reappeared in the Pacific Northwest in the mid @-@ 1940s and these birds <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>were</mark></a> probably descendants of the 1890 Central Park introduction . The original 60 birds <a href='been_done' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> since swelled in number to 150 million , occupying an area extending from southern Canada and Alaska to Central America .

After two failed attempts , abt 60 common starlings was released in 1890 into New York Central Park by jville Schieffelin . He was president of the American Acclimatization Society , which tried to introduce every bird species mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare into North America . About the same date , da Portland Song Bird Club done released 35 pairs of common starlings in Portland , Oregon . These birds became established but disappeared around 1902 . Common starlings reappeared in the Pacific Northwest in the mid @-@ 1940s and these birds was probably descendants of the 1890 Central Park introduction . The original 60 birds done since swelled in number to 150 million , occupying an area extending from southern Canada and Alaska to Central America .

= = = = Polynesia = = = =

= = = = Polynesia = = = =

= = = = Polynesia = = = =

The common starling appears to have arrived in Fiji in 1925 on Ono @-@ i @-@ lau and Vatoa islands . It may have colonised from New Zealand via Raoul in the Kermadec Islands where it is abundant , that group being roughly equidistant between New Zealand and Fiji . Its spread in Fiji has been limited , and there are doubts about the population 's viability . Tonga was colonised at about the same date and the birds there have been slowly spreading north through the group .

The common starling <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>appears</mark></a> to <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>have</mark></a> arrived in Fiji in 1925 on Ono @-@ i @-@ lau and Vatoa islands . It may <a href='been_done' title='3'><mark>have</mark></a> colonised from New Zealand via Raoul in the Kermadec Islands where it <a href='drop_aux' title='4'><mark>is</mark></a>abundant , that group being roughly equidistant between New Zealand and Fiji . Its spread in Fiji <a href='been_done' title='5'><mark>has</mark></a> been limited , and <a href='dey_it' title='6'><mark>there</mark></a> are doubts about the population <a href='null_genetive' title='7'><mark>'s</mark></a>viability . Tonga was colonised at about the same date and the birds there have been slowly spreading north through the group .

Da common starling appear to done arrived in Fiji in 1925 on Ono @-@ i @-@ lau and Vatoa islands . It may done colonised from New Zealand via Raoul in the Kermadec Islands where it abundant , dat group being roughly equidistant between New Zealand and Fiji . Its spread in Fiji done been limited , and it is doubts about the population viability . Tonga was colonised at bout the same date and the birds thea have been slowly spreading north thru tdagroup .

= = = = South Africa = = = =

= = = = South Africa = = = =

= = = = South Africa = = = =

In South Africa , the common starling was introduced in 1897 by Cecil Rhodes . It spread slowly and by 1954 had reached Clanwilliam and Port Elizabeth . It is now common in the southern Cape region , thinning out northwards to the Johannesburg area . It is present in the Western Cape , the Eastern Cape and the Free State provinces of South Africa and lowland Lesotho , with occasional sightings in KwaZulu @-@ Natal , Gauteng and around the town of Oranjemund in Namibia . In Southern Africa populations appear to be resident and the bird is very much associated with man , his habitations and pastures . It favours irrigated land and is absent from regions where the ground is baked so dry that it cannot probe for insects . It may compete with native birds for crevice nesting sites but the indigenous species are probably more disadvantaged by destruction of their natural habitat than they are by inter @-@ specific competition . It breeds from September to December and outside the breeding season may congregate in large flocks , often roosting in reedbeds . It is the most common bird species in urban and agricultural areas .

In South Africa , the common starling was introduced in 1897 by Cecil Rhodes . It spread slowly and by 1954 <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>had</mark></a> reached Clanwilliam and Port Elizabeth . It <a href='drop_aux' title='2'><mark>is</mark></a>now common in the southern Cape region , thinning out northwards to the Johannesburg area . It <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>is</mark></a>present in the Western Cape , the Eastern Cape and the Free State provinces of South Africa and lowland Lesotho , with occasional sightings in KwaZulu @-@ Natal , Gauteng and around the town of Oranjemund in Namibia . In Southern Africa populations appear to be resident and the bird is very much associated with man , his habitations and pastures . It <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>favours</mark></a> irrigated land and <a href='drop_aux' title='5'><mark>is</mark></a>absent from regions where the ground is baked so dry that it cannot probe for <a href='negative_concord' title='6'><mark>insects</mark></a> . It may compete with native birds for crevice nesting sites but the indigenous species <a href='drop_aux' title='7'><mark>are</mark></a>probably more disadvantaged by destruction of their natural habitat than they are by inter @-@ specific competition . It <a href='uninflect' title='8'><mark>breeds</mark></a> from September to December and outside the breeding season may congregate in large flocks , often roosting in reedbeds . It <a href='drop_aux' title='9'><mark>is</mark></a>the most common bird species in urban and agricultural areas .

In South Africa , the common starling was introduced in 1897 by Cecil Rhodes . It spread slowly and by 1954 done reached Clanwilliam and Port Elizabeth . It now common in the southern Cape region , thinning out northwards to da Johannesburg area . It present in tdaWestern Cape , the Eastern Cape and the Free State provinces of South Africa and lowland Lesotho , with occasional sightings in KwaZulu @-@ Natal , Gauteng and around thdaown of Oranjemund in Namibia . In Southern Africa populations appear to be resident and the bird is very much associated with man , his habitations and pastures . It favour irrigated land and absent from regions where thedaound is baked soo dry that it cannot probe for no insects . It may compete w native birds fir crevice nesting sites but the daigenous species probably more disadvantaged by destruction of their natural habitat than they are by inter @-@ specific competition . It breed from September to December and outside the breeding season may congregate in bigass flocks , often roosting in reedbeds . It the most common bird species in urban and agricultural areas .

= = = = West Indies = = = =

= = = = West Indies = = = =

= = = = West Indies = = = =

The common starling was introduced to Jamaica in 1903 , and the Bahamas and Cuba were colonised naturally from the US . This bird is fairly common but local in Jamaica , Grand Bahama and Bimini , and is rare in the rest of the Bahamas , eastern Cuba , the Cayman Islands , Puerto Rico and St. Croix .

The common starling was introduced to Jamaica in 1903 , and the Bahamas and Cuba <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> colonised naturally from the US . This bird <a href='drop_aux' title='2'><mark>is</mark></a>fairly common but local in Jamaica , Grand Bahama and Bimini , and <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>is</mark></a>rare in the rest of the Bahamas , eastern Cuba , the Cayman Islands , Puerto Rico and St. Croix .

The common starling was introduced to Jamaica in 1903 , and the Bahamas and Cuba was colonised naturally from the US . This bird fairly common but local in Jamaica , Grand Bahama and Bimini , and rare in the rest of da Bahamas , eastern Cuba , tdaCayman Islands , Puerto Rico and St. Croix .

= = Status = =

= = Status = =

= = Status = =

The global population of the common starling is estimated to be more than 310 million individuals and its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly , so the bird is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of least concern . It had shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 60s . In about 1830 , S. v. vulgaris expanded its range in the British Isles , spreading into Ireland and areas of Scotland where it had formerly been absent , although S. v. zetlandicus was already present in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides . The common starling has bred in northern Sweden from 1850 and in Iceland from 1935 . The breeding range spread through southern France to northeastern Spain , and there were other range expansions particularly in Italy , Austria and Finland . It started breeding in Iberia in 1960 , while the spotless starling 's range had been expanding northward since the 1950s . The low rate of advance , about 4 @.@ 7 km ( 2 @.@ 9 mi ) per year for both species , is due to the suboptimal mountain and woodland terrain . Expansion has since slowed even further due to direct competition between the two similar species where they overlap in southwestern France and northwestern Spain .

The global population of the common starling is estimated to be more than 310 million individuals and its numbers are not thought to be declining significantly , so the bird is classified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as being of least concern . It <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>had</mark></a> shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 60s . In about 1830 , S. v. vulgaris expanded its range in the British Isles , spreading into Ireland and areas of Scotland where it had formerly been absent , although S. v. zetlandicus<a href='been_done' title='2'><mark></mark></a> was already present in Shetland and the Outer Hebrides . The common starling <a href='been_done' title='3'><mark>has</mark></a> bred in northern Sweden from 1850 and in Iceland from 1935 . The breeding range spread through southern France to northeastern Spain , and <a href='dey_it' title='4'><mark>there</mark></a> <a href='uninflect' title='5'><mark>were</mark></a> other range expansions particularly in Italy , Austria and Finland . It started breeding in Iberia in 1960 , while the spotless starling <a href='null_genetive' title='6'><mark>'s</mark></a>range had been expanding northward since the 1950s . The low rate of advance , about 4 @.@ 7 km ( 2 @.@ 9 mi ) per year for both species , <a href='drop_aux' title='7'><mark>is</mark></a>due to the suboptimal mountain and woodland terrain . Expansion <a href='uninflect' title='8'><mark>has</mark></a> since slowed even further due to direct competition between the two similar species where they overlap in southwestern France and northwestern Spain .

Da global population of the common starling is estimated to be more den 310 million individuals and its numbers ain't thought to b declining significantly , so tdabird is classified by the International Union fir Conservation of Nature as being of least concern . It done shown a marked increase in numbers throughout Europe from the 19th century to around the 1950s and 60s . In about 1830 , S. v. vulgaris expanded its range in the British Isles , spreading into Ireland and areas of Scotland where it had formerly been absent , although S. v. zetlandicus been was already present in Shetland and thdauter Hebrides . The common starling done bred in northern Sweden from 1850 and in Iceland from 1935 . The breeding range spread through southern France to northeastern Spain , and it was other range expansions particularly in Italy , Austria and Finland . It started breeding in Iberia in 1960 , while thedaotless starling range had been expanding northward since the 1950s . The da rate of advance , bou 4 @.@ 7 km ( 2 @.@ 9 mi ) per year for both species , due to the suboptimal mountain and woodland terrain . Expansion have since slowed even further due to direct competition between the tdasimilar species where they overlap in southwestern France and northwestern Spain .

Major declines in populations have been observed from 1980 onward in Sweden , Finland , northern Russia ( Karelia ) and the Baltic States , and smaller declines in much of the rest of northern and central Europe . The bird has been adversely affected in these areas by intensive agriculture , and in several countries it has been red @-@ listed due to population declines of more than 50 % . Numbers dwindled in the United Kingdom by more than 80 % between 1966 and 2004 ; although populations in some areas such as Northern Ireland were stable or even increased , those in other areas , mainly England , declined even more sharply . The overall decline seems to be due to the low survival rate of young birds , which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices . The intensive farming methods used in northern Europe mean there is less pasture and meadow habitat available , and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced .

Major declines in populations <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>have</mark></a> been observed from 1980 onward in Sweden , Finland , northern Russia ( Karelia ) and the Baltic States , and smaller declines in much of the rest of northern and central Europe . The bird <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> been adversely affected in these areas by intensive agriculture , and in several countries it <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>has</mark></a> been red @-@ listed due to population declines of more than 50 % . Numbers dwindled in the United Kingdom by more than 80 % between 1966 and 2004 ; although populations in some areas such as Northern Ireland <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>were</mark></a> stable or even increased , those in other areas , mainly England , declined even more sharply . The overall decline <a href='uninflect' title='5'><mark>seems</mark></a> to be due to the low survival rate of young birds , which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices . The intensive farming methods used in northern Europe mean <a href='dey_it' title='6'><mark>there</mark></a> is less pasture and meadow habitat available , and the supply of grassland invertebrates needed for the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced .

Major declines in populations done been observed from 1980 onward in Sweden , Finland , northern Russia ( Karelia ) and the Baltic States , and smaller declines in much of the rest of northern and central Europe . The bird done been adversely affected in these areas by intensive agriculture , and in several countries it have been red @-@ listed due to population declines of more den 50 % . Numbers dwindled in da United Kingdom by more tden80 % between 1966 and 2004 ; although populations in sum areas such as Northern Ireland was stable or even increased , those in other areas , mainly England , declined even more sharply . Tdaoverall decline seem to be due to the low survival rate of young birds , which may be caused by changes in agricultural practices . The intensive farming methods used in northern Europe mean it is less pasture and meadow habitat available , and thdaupply of grassland invertebrates needed fir the nestlings to thrive is correspondingly reduced .

= = Relationship with humans = =

= = Relationship with humans = =

= = Relationship with humans = =

= = = Benefits and problems = = =

= = = Benefits and problems = = =

= = = Benefits and problems = = =

Since common starlings eat insect pests such as wireworms , they are considered beneficial in northern Eurasia , and this was one of the reasons given for introducing the birds elsewhere . Around 25 million nest boxes were erected for this species in the former Soviet Union , and common starlings were found to be effective in controlling the grass grub Costelytra zelandica in New Zealand . The original Australian introduction was facilitated by the provision of nest boxes to help this mainly insectivorous bird to breed successfully , and even in the US , where this is a pest species , the Department of Agriculture acknowledges that vast numbers of insects are consumed by common starlings .

Since common starlings eat insect pests such as wireworms , they are considered beneficial in northern Eurasia , and this was one of the reasons given for introducing the birds elsewhere . Around 25 million nest boxes <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> erected for this species in the former Soviet Union , and common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>were</mark></a> found to be effective in controlling the grass grub Costelytra zelandica in New Zealand . The original Australian introduction was facilitated by the provision of nest boxes to help this mainly insectivorous bird to breed successfully , and even in the US , where this <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>is</mark></a>a pest species , the Department of Agriculture <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>acknowledges</mark></a> that vast numbers of insects are consumed by common starlings .

Since common starlings eat insect pests such as wireworms , they r considered beneficial in northern Eurasia , and this was one of da reasons given for introducing the birds elsewhere . Around 25 million nest boxes was erected fa this species in the former Soviet Union , and common starlings was found to be effective in controlling the grass grub Costelytra zelandica in New Zealand . The original Australian introduction was facilitated by tdaprovision of nest boxes to help this mainly insectivorous bird to breed successfully , and even in the US , where this a pest species , the Department of Agriculture acknowledge that vast numbers of roaches are consumed by common starlings .

Common starlings introduced to areas such as Australia or North America , where other members of the genus are absent , may affect native species through competition for nest holes . In North America , chickadees , nuthatches , woodpeckers , purple martins and other swallows may be affected . In Australia , competitors for nesting sites include the crimson and eastern rosellas . For its role in the decline of local native species and the damages to agriculture , the common starling has been included in the IUCN List of the world 's 100 worst invasive species .

Common starlings introduced to areas such as Australia or North America , where other members of the genus <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>absent , may affect native species through competition for nest holes . In North America , chickadees , nuthatches , woodpeckers , purple martins and other swallows may be affected . In Australia , competitors for nesting sites include the crimson and eastern rosellas . For its role in the decline of local native species and the damages to agriculture , the common starling <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> been included in the IUCN List of the world <a href='null_genetive' title='3'><mark>'s</mark></a>100 worst invasive species .

Common starlings introduced to areas such as Australia or North America , where other members of da genus absent , may affect native species through competition for nest holes . In North America , chickadees , nuthatches , woodpeckers , purple martins and other swallows may be affected . In Australia , competitors for nesting sites include tdacrimson and eastern rosellas . For its role in thdaecline of local native species and thedamages to agriculture , the damon starling done been included in the Ida List of the woda 100 worst invasive species .

Common starlings can eat and damage fruit in orchards such as grapes , peaches , olives , currants and tomatoes or dig up newly sown grain and sprouting crops . They may also eat animal feed and distribute seeds through their droppings . In eastern Australia , weeds like bridal creeper , blackberry and boneseed are thought to have been spread by common starlings . Agricultural damage in the US is estimated as costing about US $ 800 million annually . This bird is not considered to be as damaging to agriculture in South Africa as it is in the United States .

Common starlings can eat and damage fruit in orchards such as grapes , peaches , olives , currants and tomatoes or dig up newly sown grain and sprouting crops . They may also eat animal feed and distribute seeds through their droppings . In eastern Australia , weeds like bridal creeper , blackberry and boneseed are thought to <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>have</mark></a> been spread by common starlings . Agricultural damage in the US is estimated as costing about US $ 800 million annually . This bird is not considered to be as damaging to agriculture in South Africa as it is in the United States .

Common starlings can eat and damage fruit in orchards such as grapes , peaches , olives , currants and tomatoes or dig up newly sown grain and sprouting crops . They may also eat animal feed and distribute seeds thru their droppings . In eastern Australia , weeds like bridal creeper , blackberry and boneseed r thought to done been spread by common starlings . Agricultural damage in da US is estimated as costing bou US $ 800 million annually . dis bird ain't considered to b as damaging to agriculture in South Africa as it is in the United States .

The large size of flocks can also cause problems . Common starlings may be sucked into aircraft jet engines , one of the worst instances of this being an incident in Boston in 1960 , when sixty @-@ two people died after a turboprop airliner flew into a flock and plummeted into the sea at Winthrop Harbor .

The large size of flocks can also cause problems . Common starlings may be sucked into aircraft jet engines , one of the worst instances of this being an incident in Boston in 1960 , when sixty @-@ two people died after a turboprop airliner flew into a flock and plummeted into the sea at Winthrop Harbor .

The bigass size of flocks can also cus problems . Common starlings may be sucked into aircraft jet engines , one of da worst instances of dis being an incident in Boston in 1960 , when sixty @-@ two people died after a turboprop airliner flew into a flock and plummeted into tdasea at Winthrop Harbor .

Starlings ' droppings can contain the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum , the cause of histoplasmosis in humans . At roosting sites this fungus can thrive in accumulated droppings . There are a number of other infectious diseases that can potentially be transmitted by common starlings to humans , although the potential for the birds to spread infections may have been exaggerated .

Starlings <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'</mark></a>droppings can contain the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum , the cause of histoplasmosis in humans . At roosting sites this fungus can thrive in accumulated droppings . <a href='dey_it' title='2'><mark>There</mark></a> are a number of other infectious diseases <a href='null_relcl' title='3'><mark>that</mark></a>can potentially be transmitted by common starlings to humans , although the potential for the birds to spread infections may <a href='been_done' title='4'><mark>have</mark></a> been exaggerated .

Starlings droppings can contain the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum , the cause of histoplasmosis in humans . At roosting sites this fungus can thrive in accumulated droppings . It is a number of other infectious diseases can potentially b transmitted by common starlings to humans , although the potential fa the birds to spread infections may done been exaggerated .

= = = Control = = =

= = = Control = = =

= = = Control = = =

Because of the damage they do , there have been attempts to control the numbers of both native and introduced populations of common starlings . Within the natural breeding range , this may be affected by legislation . For example , in Spain , this is a species hunted commercially as a food item , and has a close season , whereas in France , it is classed as a pest , and the season in which it may be killed covers the greater part of the year . In the UK , the common starling may be killed at any time of year . This species is migratory , so birds involved in control measures may have come from a wide area and breeding populations may not be greatly affected . In Europe , the varying legislation and mobile populations mean that control attempts may have limited long @-@ term results . Non @-@ lethal techniques such as scaring with visual or auditory devices have only a temporary effect in any case .

Because of the damage they do , <a href='dey_it' title='1'><mark>there</mark></a> have been attempts to control the numbers of both native and introduced populations of common starlings . Within the natural breeding range , this may be affected by legislation . For example , in Spain , this <a href='drop_aux' title='2'><mark>is</mark></a>a species hunted commercially as a food item , and <a href='got' title='3'><mark>has</mark></a> a close season , whereas in France , it is classed as a pest , and the season in which it may be killed <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>covers</mark></a> the greater part of the year . In the UK , the common starling may be killed at any time of year . This species is migratory , so birds involved in control measures may <a href='been_done' title='5'><mark>have</mark></a> come from a wide area and breeding populations may not be greatly affected . In Europe , the varying legislation and mobile populations mean that control attempts may <a href='been_done' title='6'><mark>have</mark></a> limited long @-@ term results . Non @-@ lethal techniques such as scaring with visual or auditory devices <a href='got' title='7'><mark>have</mark></a> only a temporary effect in any case .

Because of the damage they do , it have been attempts to control da numbers of both native and introduced populations of common starlings . Within tdanatural breeding range , this may b affected by legislation . For example , in Spain , this a species hunted commercially as a food item , and got a close season , whereas in France , it is classed as a pest , and thdaeason in which it may bbkilled cover the greater part of the year . In the UK , the common starling may be killed at any time of year . dis species is migratory , so birds involved in control measures may done come from a wide area and breeding populations may not bebreatly affected . In Europe , the varying legislation and mobile populations mean that control attempts may done limited long @-@ term results . Non @-@ lethal techniques such as scaring w visual or auditory devices got only a temporary effect in any case .

Huge urban roosts in cities can create problems due to the noise and mess made and the smell of the droppings . In 1949 , so many birds landed on the clock hands of London 's Big Ben that it stopped , leading to unsuccessful attempts to disrupt the roosts with netting , repellent chemical on the ledges and broadcasts of common starling alarm calls . An entire episode of The Goon Show in 1954 was a parody of the futile efforts to disrupt the large common starling roosts in central London .

Huge urban roosts in cities can create problems due to the noise and mess made and the smell of the droppings . In 1949 , so many birds landed on the clock hands of London <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'s</mark></a>Big Ben that it stopped , leading to unsuccessful attempts to disrupt the roosts with netting , repellent chemical on the ledges and broadcasts of common starling alarm calls . An entire episode of The Goon Show in 1954 was a parody of the futile efforts to disrupt the large common starling roosts in central London .

Huge urban roosts in cities can create problems due to the noise and mess made and the smell of the droppings . In 1949 , soo many birds landed on da clock hands of London Big Ben dat it stopped , leading to unsuccessful attempts to disrupt the roosts with netting , repellent chemical on the ledges and broadcasts of common starling alarm calls . An entire episode of TdaGoon Show in 1954 was a parody of the futile efforts to disrupt thdaigass common starling roosts in central London .

Where it is introduced , the common starling is unprotected by legislation , and extensive control plans may be initiated . Common starlings can be prevented from using nest boxes by ensuring that the access holes are smaller than the 1 @.@ 5 in ( 38 mm ) diameter they need , and the removal of perches discourages them from visiting bird feeders .

Where it is introduced , the common starling is unprotected by legislation , and extensive control plans may be initiated . Common starlings can be prevented from using nest boxes by ensuring that the access holes are smaller than the 1 @.@ 5 in ( 38 mm ) diameter they need , and the removal of perches <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>discourages</mark></a> them from visiting bird feeders .

Where it is introduced , the common starling is unprotected by legislation , and extensive control plans may be initiated . Common starlings can b prevented from using nest boxes by ensuring that the access holes are smaller den the 1 @.@ 5 in ( 38 mm ) diameter they need , and the removal of perches discourage them from visiting bird feeders .

Western Australia banned the import of common starlings in 1895 . New flocks arriving from the east are routinely shot , while the less cautious juveniles are trapped and netted . New methods are being developed , such as tagging one bird and tracking it back to establish where other members of the flock roost . Another technique is to analyse the DNA of Australian common starling populations to track where the migration from eastern to western Australia is occurring so that better preventive strategies can be used . By 2009 , only 300 common starlings were left in Western Australia , and the state committed a further A $ 400 @,@ 000 in that year to continue the eradication programme .

Western Australia banned the import of common starlings in 1895 . New flocks arriving from the east are routinely shot , while the less cautious juveniles are trapped and netted . New methods are being developed , such as tagging one bird and tracking it back to establish where other members of the flock roost . Another technique is to analyse the DNA of Australian common starling populations to track where the migration from eastern to western Australia is occurring so that better preventive strategies can be used . By 2009 , only 300 common starlings <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>were</mark></a> left in Western Australia , and the state committed a further A $ 400 @,@ 000 in that year to continue the eradication programme .

Western Australia banned da import of common starlings in 1895 . New flocks arriving from tdaeast are routinely shot , while thdaess cautious juveniles are trapped and netted . New methods r being developed , such as tagging one bird and tracking it bacc to establish where other members of the flock roost . anotha technique is to analyse thedaA of Australian common starling populations to track where the migration from eastern to western Australia is occurring so that better preventive strategies can be used . By 2009 , only 300 common starlings was left in Western Australia , and the date committed a further A $ 400 @,@ 000 in that year to continue the eradication programme .

In the United States , common starlings are exempt from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , which prohibits the taking or killing of migratory birds . No permit is required to remove nests and eggs or kill juveniles or adults . Research was undertaken in 1966 to identify a suitable avicide that would both kill common starlings and would readily be eaten by them . It also needed to be of low toxicity to mammals and not likely to cause the death of pets that ate dead birds . The chemical that best fitted these criteria was DRC @-@ 1339 , now marketed as Starlicide . In 2008 , the United States government poisoned , shot or trapped 1 @.@ 7 million birds , the largest number of any nuisance species to be destroyed . In 2005 , the population in the United States was estimated at 140 million birds , around 45 % of the global total of 310 million .

In the United States , common starlings <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>are</mark></a>exempt from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act , which <a href='uninflect' title='2'><mark>prohibits</mark></a> the taking or killing of migratory birds . No permit is required to remove nests and eggs or kill juveniles or adults . Research was undertaken in 1966 to identify a suitable avicide <a href='null_relcl' title='3'><mark>that</mark></a>would both kill common starlings and would readily be eaten by them . It also needed to be of low toxicity to mammals and not likely to cause the death of pets <a href='null_relcl' title='4'><mark>that</mark></a>ate dead birds . The chemical <a href='null_relcl' title='5'><mark>that</mark></a>best <a href='uninflect' title='6'><mark>fitted</mark></a> these criteria was DRC @-@ 1339 , now marketed as Starlicide . In 2008 , the United States government poisoned , shot or trapped 1 @.@ 7 million birds , the largest number of any nuisance species to be destroyed . In 2005 , the population in the United States was estimated at 140 million birds , around 45 % of the global total of 310 million .

In the United States , common starlings exempt from da Migratory Bird Treaty Act , which prohibit the takin or killing of migratory birds . No permit is required to remove nests and eggs or kill juveniles or adults . Research was undertaken in 1966 to identify a suitable avicide would both kill common starlings and would readily be eaten by em . It also needed to b of low toxicity to mammals and not likely to cause the death of pets ate dead birds . The chemical best fit dese criteria was DRC @-@ 1339 , now marketed as Starlicide . In 2008 , the United States government poisoned , shot or trapped 1 @.@ 7 million birds , the largest number of any nuisance species to be destroyed . In 2005 , the population in the United States was estimated at 140 million birds , around 45 % of the global total of 310 million .

= = = In science and culture = = =

= = = In science and culture = = =

= = = In science and culture = = =

Common starlings may be kept as pets or as laboratory animals . Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz wrote of them in his book King Solomon 's Ring as " the poor man 's dog " and " something to love " , because nestlings are easily obtained from the wild and after careful hand rearing they are straightforward to look after . They adapt well to captivity , and thrive on a diet of standard bird feed and mealworms . Several birds may be kept in the same cage , and their inquisitiveness makes them easy to train or study . The only disadvantages are their messy and indiscriminate defecation habits and the need to take precautions against diseases that may be transmitted to humans . As a laboratory bird , the common starling is second in numbers only to the domestic pigeon .

Common starlings may be kept as pets or as laboratory animals . Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz wrote of them in his book King Solomon <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'s</mark></a>Ring as " the poor man <a href='null_genetive' title='2'><mark>'s</mark></a>dog " and " something to love " , because nestlings are easily obtained from the wild and after careful hand rearing they <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>are</mark></a>straightforward to look after . They adapt well to captivity , and thrive on a diet of standard bird feed and mealworms . Several birds may be kept in the same cage , and their inquisitiveness <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>makes</mark></a> them easy to train or study . The only disadvantages <a href='drop_aux' title='5'><mark>are</mark></a>their messy and indiscriminate defecation habits and the need to take precautions against diseases <a href='null_relcl' title='6'><mark>that</mark></a>may be transmitted to humans . As a laboratory bird , the common starling <a href='drop_aux' title='7'><mark>is</mark></a>second in numbers only to the domestic pigeon .

Common starlings may be kept as pets or as laboratory animals . Austrian ethologist Konrad Lorenz wrote of them in his book King Solomon Ring as " the poor man dog " and " something to luhhh " , b/c nestlings r easily obtained from da wild and after careful hand rearing they straightforward to look after . They adapt well to captivity , and thrive on a diet of standard bird feed and mealworms . Several birds may be kept in tdasame cage , and their inquisitiveness make them easy to train or study . The only disadvantages their messy and indiscriminate defecation habits and thdaotta take precautions against diseases may be transmitted to humans . As a laboratory bird , the common starling second in numbers only to the domestic pigeon .

The common starling 's gift for mimicry has long been recognised . In the medieval Welsh Mabinogion , Branwen tamed a common starling , " taught it words " , and sent it across the Irish Sea with a message to her brothers , Bran and Manawydan , who then sailed from Wales to Ireland to rescue her . Pliny the Elder claimed that these birds could be taught to speak whole sentences in Latin and Greek , and in Henry IV , William Shakespeare had Hotspur declare " The king forbade my tongue to speak of Mortimer . But I will find him when he is asleep , and in his ear I 'll holler ' Mortimer ! ' Nay I 'll have a starling shall be taught to speak nothing but Mortimer , and give it to him to keep his anger still in motion . "

The common starling <a href='null_genetive' title='1'><mark>'s</mark></a>gift for mimicry <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> long been recognised . In the medieval Welsh Mabinogion , Branwen tamed a common starling , " taught it <a href='uninflect' title='3'><mark>words</mark></a> " , and sent it across the Irish Sea with a message to her brothers , Bran and Manawydan , <a href='null_relcl' title='4'><mark>who</mark></a>then sailed from Wales to Ireland to rescue her . Pliny the Elder claimed that these birds could be taught to speak whole sentences in Latin and Greek , and in Henry IV , William Shakespeare had Hotspur declare " The king forbade my tongue to speak of Mortimer . But I will find him when he <a href='drop_aux' title='5'><mark>is</mark></a>asleep , and in his ear I 'll holler ' Mortimer ! ' Nay I 'll have a starling shall be taught to speak nothing but Mortimer , and give it to him to keep his anger still in motion . "

Da common starling gift for mimicry done long been recognised . In tdamedieval Welsh Mabinogion , Branwen tamed a common starling , " taught it word " , and sent it across the Irish Sea w a message to her brothers , Bran and Manawydan , then sailed from Wales to Ireland to rescue her . Pliny the Elder claimed dat dese birds could be taught to speak whole sentences in Latin and Greek , and in Henry IV , William Shakespeare had Hotspur declare " The king forbade mah tongue to speak of Mortimer . But I'ma find him when he asleep , and in his ear I 'll holler ' Mortimer ! ' Nay I 'll have a starling shall b taught to speak nothing but Mortimer , and give it to him to keep his anger still in motion . "

Mozart had a pet common starling which could sing part of his Piano Concerto in G Major ( KV . 453 ) . He had bought it from a shop after hearing it sing a phrase from a work he wrote six weeks previously , which had not yet been performed in public . He became very attached to the bird and arranged an elaborate funeral for it when it died three years later . It has been suggested that his A Musical Joke ( K. 522 ) might be written in the comical , inconsequential style of a starling 's vocalisation . Other people who have owned common starlings report how adept they are at picking up phrases and expressions . The words have no meaning for the starling , so they often mix them up or use them on what to humans are inappropriate occasions in their songs . Their ability at mimicry is so great that strangers have looked in vain for the human they think they have just heard speak .

Mozart had a pet common starling which could sing part of his Piano Concerto in G Major ( KV . 453 ) . He <a href='been_done' title='1'><mark>had</mark></a> bought it from a shop after hearing it sing a phrase from a work he wrote six weeks previously , which <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>had</mark></a> not yet been performed in <a href='negative_concord' title='3'><mark>public</mark></a> . He became very attached to the bird and arranged an elaborate funeral for it when it died three years later . It <a href='been_done' title='4'><mark>has</mark></a> been suggested that his A Musical Joke ( K. 522 ) might be written in the comical , inconsequential style of a starling <a href='null_genetive' title='5'><mark>'s</mark></a>vocalisation . Other people <a href='null_relcl' title='6'><mark>who</mark></a><a href='been_done' title='7'><mark>have</mark></a> owned common starlings report how adept they are at picking up phrases and expressions . The words <a href='got' title='8'><mark>have</mark></a> no meaning for the starling , so they often mix them up or use them on what to humans are inappropriate occasions in their songs . Their ability at mimicry <a href='drop_aux' title='9'><mark>is</mark></a>so great that strangers <a href='been_done' title='10'><mark>have</mark></a> looked in vain for the human they think they <a href='been_done' title='11'><mark>have</mark></a> just heard speak .

Mozart had a pet common starling which could sing part of his Piano Concerto in G Major ( KV . 453 ) . He done bought it from a shop after hearing it sing a phrase from a work he wrote six weeks previously , which done not yet been performed in no public . He became very attached to da bird and arranged an elaborate funeral for it when it died three yrs later . It done been suggested that his A Musical Joke ( K. 522 ) might be written in the comical , inconsequential style of a starling vocalisation . Other pple done owned common starlings report how adept they r at picking up phrases and expressions . The words got no meaning for tdastarling , soo they often mix them up or use em on what to humans are inappropriate occasions in their songs . Their ability at mimicrysooo great that strangers done looked in vain for thdauman they think they done just heard speak .

Common starlings are trapped for food in some Mediterranean countries . The meat is tough and of low quality , so it is casseroled or made into pâté . One recipe said it should be stewed " until tender , however long that may be " . Even when correctly prepared , it may still be seen as an acquired taste .

Common starlings are trapped for food in some Mediterranean countries . The meat <a href='drop_aux' title='1'><mark>is</mark></a>tough and of low quality , so it is casseroled or made into pâté . One recipe said it should be stewed " until tender , however long that may be " . Even when correctly prepared , it may still be seen as an acquired taste .

Common starlings are trapped fa food in some Mediterranean countries . The meat tuff and of low quality , so it is casseroled or made into pâté . One recipe said it should be stewed " until tender , however long that may be " . Even when correctly prepared , it may still b seen as an acquired taste .