BELINDA GROVER PHOTOGRAPHY

STOPS ALONG THE WAY

EUROPEAN STARLING

20 Comments

Like many other migrants, starlings reappear in early spring. As attractive as they are, they are an invasive species in Canada, compete with native birds for food and can cause a lot of agricultural damage.  I watched as this one and its mate tore across the grass.

20 thoughts on “EUROPEAN STARLING

  1. Christie's avatar

    Quite sparkly, but undesired by most of the people😀

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  2. Eliza Waters's avatar

    Great capture, Belinda. Not my favorite bird due to all the reasons you mentioned. The nicest thing I can say about them is they are pretty in breeding plumage!

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  3. Bay Photos By Donna's avatar

    Fabulous shot, capturing all the colors!

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  4. Birder's Journey's avatar

    You really captured the iridescent “sparkles“ of this starling, Belinda. Alas, they are not welcome in the U.S. either. According to an 2021 article in Living Bird magazine, “Officially, the European Starling is designated as an invasive alien species in North America.” (All About Birds).

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  5. wordsfromanneli's avatar

    Baby killers. Yes, they have pretty, sparkling feathers, but they are bullies and not my favourite bird.

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  6. John's avatar

    I wonder if there is a way to reduce their numbers? They are attractive birds.

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  7. circadianreflections's avatar

    They are beautiful though. They’re invasive here too. I think by now they’re all over our Continent.

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  8. Anne's avatar

    The yellow beak shows it is quite ready to breed. Despite them being a curse here too, one cannot help admiring their plumage.

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  9. Lynette d'Arty-Cross's avatar

    Yes, they are attractive but unfortunately do so much damage. Great capture, Belinda.

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