An Activity Guide About the Songbirds of British Columbia Family STURNIDAE: Starlings

European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) songbird's song uses birdhouses uses bird feeders FIELD MARKS This family has two members in British Columbia. They were introduced from Europe to North American early in the 1890's. It was very successful in spreading across the continent. The Crested Myna was introduced into the Vancouver area and did not spread any farther. Its population continues to decline. The European Starling is shiny black with purple and green reflections. The feathers on its throat and breast are pointed. It has a long yellowish bill and a short, square tail. Approximate length: 20 cm FOOD The starling eats insects, berries and seeds. Starlings will invade feeders in large numbers and aggressively scare other birds from feeding. HABITAT The European Starling is very adaptable to a variety of different habitats. It prefers open areas such as fields, gardens, lawns and garbage dumps and can often be found around buildings in cities, towns and farms. It is a very familiar, although an undesirable non-migratory resident of southern British Columbia. NESTING The starling nests in cavities in trees, and in crevices of buildings. It also uses birdhouses. The male begins building the nest by collecting sticks, straw and grass to fill the nesting cavity. The female finishes the nest by lining it with soft grasses and feathers. The female lays 4-6 pale blue or green eggs. A starling may lay its eggs in another starling's nest and often takes over other songbirds' nests to lay their own eggs. STATUS Common and widespread. This bird is largely responsible for the decline of other songbird populations. Cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds are particularly affected, since starlings are very aggressive and compete with them for the same nest sites. Starlings are considered a "pest" species. They swarm in large flocks and destroy grain and fruit crops. DISTRIBUTION