Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Getting rid of starlings that have nested in your home will both remove a nuisance, and help preserve your property from potential damage. Starlings are aggressive birds, and travel in large flocks which will often drive other birds out of their chosen area. They are particularly problematic during the spring, when their young are born, as they will leave large masses of nesting material and feces beneath the entrance to their nests.

Starlings typically have a body length of about eight inches, and have long wings and short, squared-off tails. They have speckled, iridescent plumage, which turns duller in the summer months. During their breeding season, their beaks are bright yellow, but they dull to brown once the season is passed. Typically, starlings eat insects, but as they have become adapted to urban environments, they have developed a tendency to pick through garbage that has been left accessible.

Starling feces contains uric acid, which is corrosive to stone, metal, and masonry. Because starlings tend to flock in such large numbers, their presence can result in a significant buildup of feces on homes and commercial buildings.

We can solve your starling problems.

Starling nests clog gutters and drainage pipes, as well as dryer, range, and bathroom vents, which can both damage your property and pose a fire hazard. They commonly build their nests in any gap they can find in a building's roof soffits. They keep building atop their old nests rather than making new ones, resulting in large, unsightly structures. Because starlings nest in small spaces, they will often get stuck in chimneys and flues.

If you have a flock of starlings plaguing your property, The Animal Movers can help. Call us today at (416)-410-6323, and we will drive off the flock, remove any nests they may have built, and take measures to prevent them from returning. If you have a starling caught in your chimney, or one has entered your home, call us immediately and we will arrive as soon as possible to take care of the bird's humane capture and removal.

Like the house sparrow, the common starling was introduced to North America from Europe in the 19th century. It has only reached as far as the western coast within the last few decades. Starlings have adapted well to urban life.  They enjoy an abundance of food and nesting sites.

Starlings can be found in many different types of habitat, and are good at adapting to new environments. It can even be found in the centre of big cities.

The Starling is distinguished from other blackbirds by its short squared off tail and long, slender bill. Their plumage varies in colour from season to season. In winter, it displays a speckled, iridescent coat and a dark bill. In summer, its coat dulls and has fewer speckles.

Starlings are very aggressive and will drive native birds away. They are well known for and disliked because of their habitual flocking. They create a nuisance when roosting in populated areas.
 
See information on Starling Tracks here.