Happen:
Starlings prefer open spaces with short vegetation, which is why they are not found in dense forests. Starlings also require nesting cavities for breeding, which makes agricultural landscapes devoid of trees and buildings unattractive. Starlings have proven highly adaptable to human habitation. The native starlings overwinter in western and southern Europe, but return to us very early. In spring and autumn, they impress with breathtaking flight formations on their migration to and from their wintering grounds. Thousands of starlings glide through the air in vast, black flocks, perfectly coordinated, forming funnels, spirals, or clouds.
Lifestyle/Behavior:
Due to their early return, starlings are able to occupy the best breeding sites as early as March. They are not particularly picky; any reasonably large hollow represents a potential nursery. They are a sociable bird that also forages in small groups.
Food/Feeding:
Starlings are very flexible in their choice of food: During the breeding season, they prefer nutritious animal foods such as insects, spiders, snails, or worms. It's particularly interesting to watch starlings catch the fat queen ants in mid-air. In summer and autumn, when the first berries are ripe, they usually switch to a plant-based diet.
TEXT: Carina Neve/Victoria Wegner
