If you asked people to list off annoying birds the most popular answer for many people would likely be the pigeon. Other than the pigeon many people cannot even think of other birds that are particularly annoying for any reason. Give them a minute to think and they might throw in a woodpecker. Here in Texas we see many homeowners that would be able to quickly add starlings, sparrows, seagulls, swallows, and crows to the list of most annoying birds. If you have recently moved to San Antonio, TX and are not familiar with any of these other birds seeing them on that list may come as a surprise. Here at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control we frequently help our customers with these other types of birds. Today we want to take the time to highlight the starling bird.
Starling Identification
Starlings have very strong feet. When they fly they do so in a very strong and direct manner. Wikipedia labels them as very gregarious birds. Since they prefer to eat insects and fruits they will typically inhabit open country. Lots of different starling species will search for grubs to eat. They use their bills to forcefully open the grub and expose their prey. Their feathers are most often dark with a metallic hue to them. They lay their eggs, which are white or blue in color, in holes.
Where Are European & Other Starling Species Found?
Starlings are in the scientific family Sturnidae. Sturnidae comes from the Latin word sturnis which means starling. Throughout the world you will find many different species of starlings. Asian starlings are called mynas. African species are called glossy starlings because their feathers are iridescent. You can also find starlings in Europe, Asia, Africa, and northern Australia. Starlings were introduced in United States in 1890 by the American Acclimatization Society. This society wanted to bring different species of animals from Europe to the United States. Any species that they thought would be useful and interesting they would ship over from Europe to introduce here in the United States. They also brought over house sparrows, java finches, and brook trout.
Why are Starlings Bad?
One of the largest problems that people have with the European Starling that was brought over by the American Acclimatization Society is that they damage crops. A large flock of European Starlings can damage crops of all kinds. Farmers have developed all sorts of different ways to get rid of starlings so that they do not ruin their crops. They will use special nets to cover fruit trees, gas-operated exploders to scare them away and sometimes even use poison to get rid of them. In addition to ruining crops they push out other native birds like bluebirds, owls, and woodpeckers. Most people would prefer having the native birds stay in their area instead of starlings.
Another large complaint about starlings is that they are extremely loud and annoying. Starlings have very complex vocalizations. They like to use the sounds that they hear around them for their own sounds. They can imitate car alarms and human speech patterns. If you have a large flock of starlings on your property they are bound to be loud and aggravating to you.
Nuisance Bird Control & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
If starlings are left on your property they can also damage your rooftops and spread diseases. You will want to make sure that you get rid of starlings as soon as possible. Hiring a professional is the most effective way to get these birds off of your property. Give A Five Star Termite & Pest Control a call today so that we can come out and device a plan to help get rid of starlings.
