European Starling
An abundant introduced bird of lawns and towns that is interesting to identify but not a species Birdly Yard recommends attracting.
By Birdly Yard Editorial TeamReviewed Updated
Local season
Months with a state-level historical signal for this species.
Status
Backyard reports
Look for it
Look across lawns, parks, fields, rooftops, and urban tree tops, often in large noisy flocks.
Food
Insects and other invertebrates, fruit, grain, and human-associated foods.
Nesting
Natural nesting guidance
European Starling habitat
Uses developed landscapes, open lawns, farm fields, towns, and nearby cavities in trees or structures.
European Starling diet and food
Insects and other invertebrates, fruit, grain, and human-associated foods.
Avoid open suet, mixed seed, and spilled food that concentrates starlings; use feeder designs and portions suited to smaller native birds.
European Starling nesting and breeding
Uses cavities in buildings, trees, and nest boxes, where it can compete with native cavity nesters.
European Starling behavior and where to look
Walks quickly across lawns probing for food and can arrive in large, highly competitive flocks.
Photography
Photograph as a seasonal flock behavior or plumage study, without baiting or moving closer to an active cavity.
What to avoid
Do not add nest boxes or large food subsidies for starlings, and keep any native-bird nesting equipment monitored responsibly.
Continue exploring
Explore related bird guides
Compare food, habitat and nesting. Local seasonal records vary by species.
