What to Do if You Find a Starling Egg: A Comprehensive Guide
Finding a starling egg outside the nest requires careful consideration. Your best course of action is usually to leave it undisturbed unless you are certain the nest has been destroyed and you are prepared to dedicate significant time and resources to its care.
Introduction: The Plight of the Found Starling Egg
Discovering a bird egg on the ground can be a distressing experience, triggering an immediate instinct to help. However, intervening in nature, particularly with wild bird eggs, requires a thoughtful and informed approach. This article focuses specifically on European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) eggs, offering guidance on what to do if you find a starling egg? We’ll explore the ethical considerations, legal ramifications, and practical steps involved in ensuring the best possible outcome for the unhatched chick. Remember, the most humane option is often to allow nature to take its course.
Identifying a Starling Egg
Before determining a course of action, accurate identification is crucial. Starling eggs are typically:
- Color: Pale blue or greenish-blue, sometimes white.
- Size: Approximately 1.2 inches long.
- Shape: Oval.
- Surface: Smooth and unmarked.
Misidentification can lead to unintended harm. If unsure, consult a local wildlife expert or ornithologist.
Why Starling Eggs End Up Outside the Nest
Several factors can lead to a starling egg ending up outside the nest:
- Nest Destruction: Predators, storms, or human activity can destroy nests, displacing the eggs.
- Accidental Dropping: Sometimes, parent birds inadvertently drop an egg while moving it or during flight.
- Inexperienced Parents: Young or inexperienced parent birds may not be as adept at handling eggs.
- Nest Parasitism: While starlings don’t typically engage in nest parasitism, aggressive interactions with other birds can sometimes result in eggs being displaced.
The Ethical and Legal Considerations
Before taking any action regarding a found starling egg, it’s essential to consider both the ethical and legal implications. While starlings are not a protected species in many areas of the US, there can be local regulations regarding interfering with nesting birds. Ethically, the question is whether human intervention offers a better chance of survival than leaving the egg to its natural fate. Remember, raising a wild bird requires specialized knowledge and can be incredibly challenging.
What to Do: A Step-by-Step Guide
If, after careful consideration, you decide that intervention is necessary, here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if you find a starling egg:
- Observe the Area: Spend some time observing the area to see if the parent birds are nearby and still tending to the nest.
- Check for Nest Damage: If possible, locate the nest and assess the extent of any damage.
- Return the Egg (If Possible): If the nest is intact and the egg appears viable, gently return it to the nest using clean hands or gloves.
- Incubation (If Necessary): If the nest is destroyed or inaccessible, and you choose to incubate the egg, you’ll need an incubator capable of maintaining a consistent temperature of around 99.5°F (37.5°C) and appropriate humidity levels (50-60%). Turning the egg several times a day is also crucial.
- Hatching and Feeding: Once the egg hatches, you’ll need to provide a specialized diet, typically insect-based, multiple times a day. This requires significant research and dedication.
- Rehabilitation and Release: If successful, the goal is to rehabilitate the fledgling and release it back into the wild. This involves acclimating it to its natural environment and ensuring it can forage for food independently.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Intervening in the life cycle of a wild bird is fraught with potential pitfalls. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Assuming Abandonment Too Quickly: Parent birds may be foraging or temporarily absent. Don’t assume abandonment without careful observation.
- Improper Incubation: Inconsistent temperature or humidity can kill the developing embryo.
- Inadequate Diet: Feeding the wrong foods can lead to malnutrition and developmental problems.
- Failure to Provide a Natural Environment: Keeping the bird indoors permanently can hinder its ability to adapt to the wild.
- Ignoring Legal Regulations: Check local laws before intervening, as it may be illegal to possess or rehabilitate certain bird species without a permit.
Alternatives to Intervention
If you are unsure about your ability to properly care for the egg or fledgling, consider these alternatives:
- Contact a Local Wildlife Rehabilitator: Wildlife rehabilitators have the expertise and resources to care for injured or orphaned animals.
- Report the Finding: Contact your local wildlife agency to report the finding and seek advice.
Conclusion: Respecting Wildlife
Finding a starling egg presents a dilemma, balancing the desire to help with the potential for unintended harm. Understanding the circumstances, considering the ethical implications, and following a carefully considered plan are crucial. Remember, what to do if you find a starling egg is a decision that should be made with the bird’s best interests at heart, even if that means letting nature take its course.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the incubation period for a starling egg?
The incubation period for a starling egg is typically 11 to 13 days. Maintaining a consistent temperature and humidity level is critical during this time.
How can I tell if a starling egg is still alive?
Candling the egg with a bright light after a few days of incubation can help determine if it is still viable. You should be able to see veins developing inside. However, avoid excessive handling as this can damage the developing embryo.
What do starling chicks eat?
Starling chicks primarily eat insects, including mealworms, crickets, and other small invertebrates. They also require a protein-rich diet supplement. Consult a wildlife rehabilitator for specific dietary recommendations.
Can I raise a starling chick indoors permanently?
While possible, it is not recommended. Starlings are wild animals and need to be exposed to a natural environment to develop the skills necessary for survival.
Is it legal to keep a starling I found?
In many areas of the US, starlings are not protected by law, but local regulations can vary. It is essential to check your local laws before keeping a starling. Furthermore, successfully raising and integrating a starling back into the wild is extremely challenging.
What if the starling egg is cold?
If the egg is cold, it likely has been abandoned or displaced for an extended period. While you can try to incubate it, the chances of survival are significantly reduced.
How often should I turn the egg during incubation?
Turning the egg 3-5 times a day mimics the natural behavior of the parent bird and prevents the embryo from sticking to the shell.
What if the egg hatches and I can’t care for the chick?
Contact a local wildlife rehabilitator immediately. They have the expertise and resources to provide the necessary care for the chick.
How do I prepare a starling fledgling for release?
Acclimation is key. Gradually introduce the fledgling to the outdoors, allowing it to explore its surroundings under supervision. Ensure it can forage for food independently before releasing it.
Can I feed a starling chick bread or milk?
Absolutely not. Bread and milk lack the nutritional value needed for proper development and can actually be harmful to the chick. A protein-rich, insect-based diet is essential.
How do I create a suitable nesting environment for a rescued starling fledgling before release?
Provide a sheltered outdoor aviary or cage with natural perches, vegetation, and access to food and water. This helps the fledgling acclimate to its natural environment before being released.
What are the long-term consequences of raising a starling in captivity?
Starlings raised in captivity may lack the survival skills necessary to thrive in the wild, including foraging, predator avoidance, and social interaction with other starlings. Releasing them back into the wild may be detrimental to their survival. Contacting a licensed rehabilitator for proper release preparation will increase its chance for survival.