Starling Symphony

In fields of green they take to flight,

European Starlings are sleek and bright.

Their glossy coats catch morning light

A sight to see a wondrous sight.

In flocks they dance a swirling mass,

Their songs a symphony unsurpassed.

They mimic sounds with grace

A talent that's their original base.

From city streets to rural lands,

They thrive in vast expanses.

Their nests they build with sticks and

Strands,

A will to their advances.

Though controversial they endure

A part of Europe’s landscape is pure.

In fields and forests, skies azure,

European Starlings, ever sure.

They feast on insects, fruits, and seeds,

Their diet assorted, meeting needs.

Sometimes causing native birds to

Flee,

Invasive spread, a legacy.

But in their flight

A spectacle for all to see.

In graceful arcs they roam the sky,

European Starlings soaring high.

So let them grace the European land,

In all their beauty, bold and grand.

For in their midst we understand,

Nature’s marvel, meticulously planned.

Jennifer Martinez

Mr. Skipper

Encounters 8

2/12/24

Feathered Invaders

Introduction 

European Starlings Some people look at them just as ordinary birds like the rest. Meanwhile, most  people don't know everything about this bird species like their environment, description, characteristics, the food they eat, or any facts about this bird species. European Starlings are an invasive bird species that overpopulates. These birds are chunky black birds with short tails and long, slender beaks. They were first introduced in 1890 in Central Park, New York, and then traveled around many places. They are  easy to adapt to in new habitats, nest sites, and food sources, and spread around countries very easily. They have made some impacts around the world in many ways ecologically, environmentally, and economically. As said, these birds quickly adapt to new environments, which can be a problem. The particular reason for this circumstance is that these birds are called invasive species for a reason. This reason is since they can adapt quickly, they overpopulate areas around the country, which leads up to why makes them an invasive species that will have a negative  impact on our environment because this poses a risk to the agricultural industries, destroying fruit and grain crops throughout the year while contaminating the food and water resources for livestock.

Description

Most people think birds all look alike and have similar features, but once people get a closer look and study a bird, they all have different flaws and features. European Starlings are  interesting medium-sized birds mostly seen and found all across the United States (Jordyn). Native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa they have been introduced to other regions including North America. Starlings prefer grasslands so they are simply easy to find in areas with low trees and shrub cover (European Starling). Starlings are mostly found with their glossy black appearance, in flocks all flying synchronized. These birds are “dark colored feathers with light specklings on. They are about seven and a half to eight and a half inches long with a short tail. They have a long, slender yellow bill in summer and a dark one in winter“ (European Starling). The way their skull is shaped allows them to insert their bills into the ground, which is the reason why the starlings take mainly most of their food below the ground surface (Chow). European Starlings have small skulls with pointed beaks. Their skull is rounded, and the beak is sharp and slightly curved, adapted for a diet that includes insects, fruits, and seeds. European Starlings are also beneficial to our environment because they eat pests that are a threat to agriculture” (Chow). Their natural predators such, as raptors and bobcats, will feed on some smaller species. Still, these numbers mean little for controlling such bird pests”. European Starlings are intriguing invasive bird species with features that help them with their daily lifestyles. The European Starlings, with its impressive mimicry skills and amazing adaptability, stands as a testament to nature's ability to surprise and thrive in different environments. Whether making murmurations in the sky or filling urban places with their chattering melodies these birds are leaving an indelible mark on both the natural world and the human experience.

Introduction to Non-Native Habitat

These birds can come from many places such, as Africa and Asia. The European Starlings are found and seen throughout the United States (Jordyn). These birds are now found in their habitat  across the United States, Bahamas, Central America, Yucatan Peninsula, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Cuba. They are known for invasive behavior that has spread widely in North America since their introduction. They can they are found in urban, suburban, and rural areas across the U.S. and parts of Canada. Their invasive nature has led to the displacement of native bird species in some regions. Starlings were released in Central Park, New York City, the population soon quickly expanded, and now they are found across the continent (European Starling, New York).

“During the breeding season, starlings will nest in captivity such as in holes in trees or other protected areas. Starlings are very well adapted to disturbance and can be found in rural and urban environments'' (European Starling, New York). European starlings have  few predators, with larger birds and humans posing the greatest risks. Starlings travel in large flocks, helping them better identify and flee from predators. This species can survive in a range of habitats, helping European starlings spread and adapt to new environments quickly (Jordyn). In their non-native habitat of North America, they’ve become suited to both environments. They often stay in fields and agricultural lands, where they feed on insects, fruits, and grains. The bird’s were allowed to establish their populations successfully in their new environment due to their adaptability (European Starling, New York). While these adaptable birds have thrived in their new environments, their rapid population growth and competitive behavior have raised concerns about their impact on native species. Efforts to manage and mitigate their effects continue, highlighting the challenges posed by human-mediated introductions and the importance of sustainable conservation practices in preserving biodiversity.

Adverse effects 

European Starlings have also affected many things ecologically, environmentally, and economically. Starting with some ecological effects, European starlings had on our environment they most often outcompeted native bird species for nesting sites and food sources, mostly leading to declines in bird populations. Their large roosts can cause issues such as noise and sanitation problems because starlings can make a lot of noise such as purring, rattling, screaming, chattering, chirping, and trilling sounds and they accumulate of their dropping nearby (European Starling). They are captivity nesters and their aggressive behavior can misplace the native captivity. The number of starlings may also have an impact on agricultural areas by consuming crops and causing damage. Their large population can lead to imbalances in the local ecosystem and affect the insect population while disrupting the natural balance and effect other animals negatively overall (Chow). For some environmental effects, they may outcompete most native bird species for sources. Their flock can  create a few sanitation issues in urban areas. If their excrement or droppings come in contact with the fruit, it will cause blemishes and may cause diseases (European Starling). This can contribute to soil and water contamination, making a great risk to human health and other animals. Starlings cause problems with the agricultural landscape. They cause a lot of damage to crops and berries.” The presence of European Starlings can have, cascading effects on local ecosystems, they can also cause some diseases that can be transferred to humans “(Chow). European starlings are causing issues such as property damage and hygiene concerns. Costs associated with managing these impacts, through bird control measures or addressing agricultural losses, contribute to the economic challenges with these birds. For example, European Starlings have also caused 800 million dollars of damage per year at $5 per hectare and, their flocks adapting to urban settings some roosts near the airport have a problem (European Starling, New York).

Conclusion

  In conclusion, the European Starling introduced in the 19th century, has become one of the most pervasive invasive species. Through its rapid and aggressive behavior, the starling causes ecological and economic problems and threats. Other than their status as an invasive species, European Starlings may also play complex roles within their new ecosystems. Moving forward, some research efforts have strategies by maintaining a balanced perspective and acknowledging the inherent in ecological management. Therefore, proactive measures aimed at eradicating starling populations from non-native habitats are imperative. This may involve a few programs of intensive trapping and removal. Also outreach campaigns can raise awareness. While getting rid of European Starlings may be a big complex move, this long-term can benefit by restoring the ecological balance and protecting native species. Some things can be done to help out such, as research and monitoring, control measures, legislation, regulations, public awareness, international cooperation, integrated pest management. Overall, addressing the issue of this invasive species requires an approach that combines both scientific research and a few measures with  some public engagement. People can effectivly by mobilizing European Starlings and maintain the integrity of our ecosystems for the future generations.

Works Cited

Chow, James. “European Starling.” BioKIDS, Carl Johansson, 2000, 

animaldiversity.org/accounts/Sturnus_vulgaris/.

“European Starling.” UC Statewide IPM Program, University of California, 16 July 2022, ipm.ucanr.edu/agriculture/citrus/european-starling/.

“European Starling, New “York.” New York Invasive Species Information, 31 May 2019, nyis.info/invasive_species/european-starling/.

“Jordyn.” European Starling.” Herrera, 5 January 2021, www.herrerainc.com/invasive-species-profile-european-starling-sturnus-vulgaris/.