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European starling against a white background - Keep starlings away from your home with City Termite & Pest Control in Malvern, AR

European Starling

Actual Size: 7.5 to 8.5”

Characteristics: Purplish-green with yellow beaks, brilliant white spots

Habitat: Often nest on top of roofs or inside of buildings.

Habits:

  • Loud and boisterous birds that congregate in large numbers.
  • Aggressive scavengers that can quickly destroy gardens and crops.
  • Capable of transmitting several diseases like cryptococcosis, E. coli, and salmonella.


European Starlings in Central Arkansas

Starlings are best known for being boisterous and loud birds that often nest in urban areas. They will nest together in large numbers and are found all through the United States. They will nest near home and have become a danger for many homeowners. One reason for the dislike of this bird is the substantial amount of fifth they leave behind, along with loud vocal noises during roosting time. Many consider them obnoxious, but more importantly, they can pose a risk to the health of humans. They can transmit multiple diseases, including histoplasmosis, ornithosis, and encephalitis. Further, starlings are aggressive scavengers that will quickly destroy crops and gardens.

European Starling Habitat

Starlings can survive in both hot and cold environments, are comfortable around humans, and will make themselves comfortable in urban areas where shelter and food are easily available. Starlings have adapted well to suburbs and cities, and have made nesting sites in locations like lamp posts, lighted signs, building ledges, and even stove and drying exhaust vents and ducts. Starlings desire to roost in the cavities of trees or small crevices but will locate and use an attic if these natural options are not available. In rural areas, starlings are more commonly found in open areas, such as farms, fields, and orchards.

European Starling Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

In addition to being obnoxious and loud when in groups, starlings can cause property damage. The droppings of starlings can destroy asphalt and pavement, while dried droppings have been documented as causing asthma. European starlings are also capable of transmitting diseases like salmonella, E. coli, and cryptococcosis. Their nesting habits in attics, dryer vents, within soffits, and on roofs can cause structural damage and create a fire hazard. Lawns infested with turf insects are likely to be visited by thousands of starlings, which feed on the insects, and in the process, punch thousands of unsightly holes in the sod.

If you discover European starlings roosting on your property, contact a licensed bird control company immediately.