All 200 million European Starlings in North America descend from about 60 birds released in New York's Central Park in 1890–91 by a Shakespeare enthusiast.
They're skilled mimics, capable of imitating dozens of bird species, car alarms, and even human speech.
They've been declared one of the most damaging invasive species in North America — but they're also one of the most studied and intelligent songbirds on Earth.
We don't recommend attracting starlings — they outcompete and displace native cavity-nesters. Most birders work to exclude them, not invite them.
Starlings can't enter a 1.5" or smaller hole. The Aviary Small body's 1⅛" panel excludes them entirely; even the Medium can be sized to keep them out.
Skip suet cages with open access (they'll dominate); use upside-down suet feeders that smaller birds can use but starlings can't.
Don't put up large-hole nest boxes (1.5"+) in starling-rich areas — they'll likely be claimed by starlings, displacing native species.
An invasive Eurasian species in North America, now one of the most abundant birds on the continent. Native populations span Europe, North Africa, and western Asia.
Year-round residents across virtually the entire continent, from southern Alaska to central Mexico.
Common throughout, though numbers in some western European countries have declined steeply.
Native through western Asia to Siberia.
Almost any open or semi-open habitat, including farms, lawns, urban centers, and parks. They roost in flocks of thousands to millions in winter.
Region matters: native and worth supporting in Europe; invasive and best excluded in the Americas.