European Starling

Starlings have successfully adapted to rural and urban habitats where they find nest cavities in man-made structures. They forage in small groups on lawns and fields with short vegetation. Large flocks forage in fields and farms in late summer through winter. 

• Large flocks typical of starlings can be beneficial to agriculture by controlling invertebrate pests; however, starlings can also be pests themselves when they feed on fruit and sprouting crops.  
• Cherries, blueberries and grapes are favoured in addition to wild fruit.  
• Starlings may also be a nuisance through the noise and mess caused by their large urban roosts. 

• Check farm buildings and residences for holes and cracks where starlings might nest. 
• Seal holes with wood, hardware cloth or metal flashing.  
• November to March is the best time to make repairs to ensure that bats are not trapped inside. 
• Nail wire mesh over vent and duct holes. 
• If starlings nest in trees, clean out the nests and nestlings. 
• Clean up attractants such as spilt grain and spoiled fruit. 

• Starling management is best done with a planned approach to evaluate the damage and decide whether a management technique is worth the costs and is effective.  
• Management can include noise and visual deterrents, natural bird predators and netting. 
• Consult BC Ministry of Agriculture for guidance on assessing the economic costs and benefits of netting.  
• Contact fruit producer groups to learn more about professional starling trapping and eradication programs in your area. The BC Grapegrowers’ Starling Trapping Program uses a team of professional trappers who use humane practices to carry out trapping. 
• Trapping is most successful in feedlots and other cattle operations. Once trapped, the birds are moved to an enclosed box and euthanized using carbon dioxide. The carcasses are distributed to bird rehabilitation centers and the remainder is composted.