HOUSTON-AREA WILDLIFE PROJECT

By Jocelyn Chavez

There is no federal law preventing people from keeping a Starling as a pet. The European Starling is one of 3 species that are excluded from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act(protects wild bird from human interference). Adult Starlings can be aggressive and for that reason most pet Starlings start out as babies that have fallen from the nest. Once these birds imprint on their human caretakers(babies) they will not be able to join a wild flock, will have no idea how to relate to other birds, and will be clueless as to how to hunt for food.

• Average length 8.46 in• Average wingspan 15.75 in• Female/Male look the same• Average lifespan:15 years

The Starling BirdSturnus vulgaris

Ecology

Starlings can be found in savannas, grasslands, urban and suburban agricultural regions. These are perfect nesting habitats with trees or other structures that have openings that can be fit for nesting. Short grass areas or grazed pastures for searching for food. During the winter, starlings move to areas where nesting and searching for food as predators is possible.

The European Starling is native to Eurasia and is found throughout Europe, northern Africa ,northern India, the Middle East and north-western China. It was introduced to North America in 1890, it then spread to New Zealand, Australia, North America, and several Caribbean islands.

Energy Transfer

Grass Grasshopper Spider

Starling

Falcon Owl

Evolution Starlings have become one of the most

abundant bird species in the world. This is due to many adaptations they have developed in order to survive and reproduce such as;

Its ability to co exist with human in urban and sub-urban areas. In cities the Starling often roost under large bridges, on buildings, or in trees.. During the winter months, the Starling is dependent upon human-made habitats such as chimneys, light fixtures, incinerators, and manure piles.

The skull is narrow in the front so that when the beak is open, the starling’s eyes, which are normally on the side of the head, shift forward and the bird has a good view of what is exposed by the action.

They defend themselves as a group and usually flies in flocks.

Starlings are extremely aggressive birds that drive other species from nest sites they want to use

Interesting Facts • The Starling birds were intentionally released in America by people who wanted to

have all the birds that Shakespeare ever mentioned.

• Both parents take turns with incubation during the day; at night only the female remains on the nest.

• An estimated of ½ of the females will return to their nest or area after consecutive years.

• Each year Starlings cost an estimated 800 million in damages to agricultural crops.

• Both moles and females can mimic human speech, some starlings also imitate the song of many other birds.

References◦ http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/European_Starling/lifehistory◦ http://wdfw.wa.gov/living/starlings.html◦ http://animals.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birding/european-starling/◦ http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Sturnus_vulgaris/◦ http://www.wbu.com/chipperwoods/photos/estarling.htm