Living with Starlings

European starlings are found all over Ontario. They live in forests, agricultural fields, open woodlands and by roadsides.  They are also common in cities.

Starlings were introduced from Europe to North America in the late 1890s to enhance the natural beauty of the landscape and remind immigrants of home. Since then, they have greatly increased in number and have spread across most of the North American continent.

Favourite foods include fruits and seeds. Insects and other invertebrates make up about half the diet, especially during the spring breeding season.

Starlings nest in holes or cavities almost anywhere, including trees, birdhouses, buildings or rock piles. Females lay four to seven eggs, which hatch after 11 to 13 days. Young birds leave the nest when they are about three weeks old.

Conflicts happen

Starlings may choose to roost in buildings causing damage, clogging drainpipes and gutters, and leaving droppings.

Starlings may frequent bird feeders and aggressively scare away other smaller species.

Please keep in mind…

Wild animals have the same basic needs as humans – food, water and shelter. Sometimes, humans and wild creatures come into conflict when animals are trying to meet their basic needs. Often, conflicts can be prevented if we're willing to make small changes to how we think and act.

People and wild animals live side by side in Ontario. We all share responsibility for preventing and handling human-wildlife conflicts. If you must take action against wildlife, please consider all your options and follow all relevant laws and regulations.

Conflicts with Starlings

How Can I Prevent Conflicts?

Limit food sources

• Install a cage around your feeder so that only smaller birds can reach the feed.
• Avoid bird feed containing grain or corn.
• Use black sunflower seeds in feeders, as starlings have difficulty cracking these seeds.
• Feed pets indoors.
• Protect fruit crops with flexible bird netting.
• Always harvest ripe fruit immediately.

Make your property unwelcoming

• Spiky perch wires on ledges or preferred roosting areas will deter birds from landing.
• Seal off entry holes to your home. Use vent covers or wire mesh to cover any openings that can not be sealed.
• Set up plastic or ceramic birds of prey in your yard.
• Install commercially available vent guards to prevent starlings from entering exhaust vents and dryer vents.
• Install visual scare devices such as balloons and aluminum pie plates.
• Scare devices need to be moved weekly (daily if possible) so birds don't become accustomed to them.
• Thin 30 to 50 per cent of branches from trees where starlings are roosting to deter birds. A tree service company can provide this service.
• Prevent starlings from roosting on walls covered with vegetation by removing the vegetation or draping bird netting over the area.

How Can I Handle a Conflict?

If starlings are nesting around your property

• Starlings can be evicted from buildings and other sites any time of year.  Nesting material should be collected and removed to prevent the birds from using it for a new nest.
• If the birds are caring for young, wait until the young can fly out of the nest, then remove all nesting materials and cover all openings.
• Frighten birds away with loud noises such as clanging pots, air horns or tape recordings of hawk cries or distress calls.

Lethal action is a last resort

• If a starling is damaging your property, you may take lethal action to protect your property but you may not cause unnecessary suffering to the animal. You must follow firearm regulations and bylaws.

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