Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Commonly seen in urban and rural areas, and with a distinctive distress call. Starlings commonly build nests in holes in trees or buildings, and take over nest entrances. There may be two broods per season. The UK population increases in late September / early November as birds immigrate from Europe and North-West Russia, returning from mid-February to the end of April. They feed on insects, invertebrates, stubble, roots, stock foods and refuse, flying up to 20-30 miles away along regular flight lines. A large roost may comprise tens of thousands of birds with considerable noise and fouling.

Treatment for starlings
Starling populations can be controlled via wiring, netting, pointing and pesticides, to prevent problem flocks from settling.