Invasive Species — European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)
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If you or your neighbors enjoy having bird feeders, consider using starling-resistant varieties, switching to foods starlings don’t prefer or can’t eat, or remove food sources by putting feeders away until the starlings move on. Bird feeders are NOT recommended in most of Alaska during the months of April through October due to the likelihood of attracting bears to your neighborhood.

“Starling proof” feeders make it difficult for unwanted starlings to access food. Examples of these feeders include caged bird feeders with holes small enough to provide access to small songbirds but not starlings, weight sensitive feeders that have perches which can be set to allow only the weight of smaller birds, and upside-down suet feeders which woodpeckers will access but starlings tend to avoid.

Switching the feed available to birds may encourage starlings to seek sustenance elsewhere. Starlings prefer cracked corn, sunflower kernels/chips, shelled peanuts, millet, mealworms, suet with corn, nuts and seeds, and bread or other human food, we suggest you avoid these. Instead, opt to fill feeders with striped sunflower, safflower, peanuts in the shell, nyjer/thistle seeds, and black-oil sunflower, which either can’t be eaten by starlings or are generally unappealing. If these tactics are ineffective, consider doubling down and using both: offer less preferred foods in starling-resistant feeders.

Further courses of action to prevent starlings from taking over your outdoor space include removing access to other food sources such as fallen fruit under fruit bearing trees, pet food or compost piles. Installing an ultrasound starling repellant is another humane way of deterring pesky invasive birds. They emit a specific frequency that disorients, frightens, or reduces communication among the flock. Some mimic the sounds of starling predators like falcons or hawks. Be aware that other organisms may be negatively affected by the frequency.

In addition to their negative impacts on native species, starlings can be annoying when they seek nesting locations in vents, eaves and crevices in houses and out-buildings. Sealing openings or vents with a cover can keep pests out without hindering function. Install spikes on branches, inside your roof and other areas where starlings perch or nest. If you keep nesting boxes on your property, use boxes with a hole diameter of less than 1.5 inches (3.8 cm), and monitor boxes daily. Starlings will use the same nesting location year after year. To avoid a problem, remove starling nests and eggs when found.

Trapping Starlings is another method of population control, but can negatively influence native bird species if they are accidentally caught.