What Will Starlings Not Eat? Unlocking the Secrets of Starling Dining Habits
Starlings generally avoid foods that are overly bitter, spicy, or require significant effort to access, favoring instead easily obtainable seeds, insects, and fruits; however, absolute avoidance is rare as their diet is highly adaptable and opportunistic. What will starlings not eat? understanding these preferences can help homeowners protect their gardens and bird feeders.
Introduction: Understanding the Starling’s Omnivorous Appetite
European starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris) are notoriously adaptable birds found across North America and Europe. While they are often regarded as pests due to their aggressive behavior and flocking habits, understanding their dietary preferences is crucial for managing their presence in urban and agricultural settings. They are omnivores, meaning their diet consists of both plant and animal matter, but there are certain items they are less inclined to consume. So, what will starlings not eat? This article will delve into the intricacies of their feeding habits, exploring the foods they tend to avoid and the factors influencing their dietary choices.
Seeds and Grains: A Matter of Preference
Starlings are primarily seed-eaters, but their choices are influenced by seed size, texture, and availability.
- Avoidance of Larger Seeds: Starlings have relatively small beaks and may struggle with very large, hard seeds such as sunflower seeds with shells on or large nuts. While they might consume these if nothing else is available, they generally prefer smaller, easier-to-manage options.
- Preference for Processed Grains: Whole grains can be less appealing than cracked corn or other processed grains. This is likely because processing makes the grains easier to digest and access.
- Avoiding Bitter Seeds: Seeds with a bitter taste may be avoided.
Fruits and Vegetables: Taste and Texture Matter
While starlings enjoy fruits, certain characteristics can make them less appealing.
- Unripe or Sour Fruits: Starlings, like many birds, tend to prefer ripe, sweet fruits over unripe or overly sour ones. Green, unripe berries are often left untouched.
- Tough-Skinned Fruits: Fruits with thick, tough skins that are difficult to penetrate can deter starlings.
- Spicy Fruits: Fruits treated with capsaicin can repel starlings, since birds don’t have the receptor to feel the “hotness” and find it aversive.
Insects and Protein Sources: Accessibility is Key
Insects are an important part of the starling’s diet, especially during breeding season. However, certain insects are less accessible or palatable.
- Deeply Buried Insects: Insects that are deeply buried in the soil or hidden within tree bark may be less accessible to starlings.
- Hard-Shelled Insects: Very large or hard-shelled insects can be difficult for starlings to consume.
- Sprayed or Toxic Insects: Insects that have been exposed to pesticides or contain toxins are naturally avoided.
Other Factors Influencing Diet
Several other factors can influence what will starlings not eat.
- Food Availability: If preferred food sources are scarce, starlings will be more likely to consume less desirable items.
- Seasonal Changes: Dietary preferences shift throughout the year, with insects being more important during the breeding season.
- Competition: The presence of other bird species can influence which food sources starlings choose.
- Human Intervention: Human actions, such as providing specific types of birdseed, can significantly alter starling diets.
Practical Applications: Deterring Starlings
Understanding what will starlings not eat can be useful in deterring them from gardens, bird feeders, and other areas.
- Seed Selection: Offer birdseed mixes that are less appealing to starlings, such as those containing nyjer seed or white-striped sunflower seeds.
- Physical Barriers: Use netting or other physical barriers to protect fruits and vegetables from starlings.
- Capsaicin Sprays: Apply capsaicin-based deterrents to fruits and vegetables (use caution and follow instructions carefully).
- Habitat Modification: Remove potential nesting sites to discourage starlings from establishing themselves in the area.
Table: Comparing Starling Dietary Preferences
| Food Type | Preferred | Less Preferred/Avoided |
|---|---|---|
| ——————- | ————————————— | ————————————————- |
| Seeds | Small seeds, cracked corn | Large seeds with shells, whole grains, bitter seeds |
| Fruits | Ripe, sweet berries | Unripe, sour fruits, tough-skinned fruits |
| Insects | Easily accessible insects, mealworms | Deeply buried insects, hard-shelled insects |
| Other | Suet, breadcrumbs | Spicy foods, toxic substances |
Bulleted List: Foods Starlings Generally Avoid
- Large sunflower seeds with shells
- Whole grains (unprocessed)
- Unripe or very sour fruits
- Insects hidden deep underground
- Very hard-shelled insects
- Foods treated with pesticides
- Foods containing capsaicin
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do starlings eat suet?
Yes, starlings do eat suet. Suet, a high-energy food source made from animal fat, is often offered in bird feeders, and starlings are known to readily consume it. They will compete with other birds to get at the suet.
Will starlings eat sunflower seeds?
Starlings will eat sunflower seeds, especially if they are hulled or crushed. However, they may struggle with sunflower seeds that still have their shells on, especially if the seeds are large. They will generally prefer other, more accessible foods if available.
Are starlings harmful to native birds?
Yes, starlings are considered harmful to many native bird species. They are aggressive competitors for nesting sites, often evicting native birds from their nests and even destroying eggs. This can significantly impact the populations of cavity-nesting birds such as bluebirds and woodpeckers.
What is the best way to deter starlings from my bird feeder?
To deter starlings from your bird feeder, consider using feeders designed to exclude larger birds, such as those with small perches or weight-activated mechanisms. Offering nyjer seed (thistle seed) can also help, as starlings are not particularly fond of it.
Will starlings eat bread?
Yes, starlings will eat bread. However, bread offers little nutritional value and can actually be harmful to birds if it becomes their primary food source. It’s best to offer more nutritious alternatives such as birdseed, suet, or mealworms.
Do starlings eat berries?
Starlings are fond of berries, particularly ripe, sweet berries. They will readily consume a variety of berries found in gardens and wild areas.
Are starlings protected by law?
In the United States, European starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. This means that there are fewer restrictions on managing their populations compared to native bird species.
What role do starlings play in the ecosystem?
Starlings can play a role in insect control, as they consume a variety of insects, including those considered pests. However, their negative impacts on native bird populations often outweigh any benefits they provide.
Do starlings carry diseases that can affect humans?
While starlings can carry diseases, the risk of transmission to humans is generally low. However, it’s always wise to practice good hygiene when handling bird feeders or cleaning up bird droppings.
What is the average lifespan of a starling?
The average lifespan of a starling in the wild is 2 to 3 years. However, some starlings can live up to 15 years or more in captivity.
Do starlings migrate?
Some starling populations do migrate, while others are resident year-round. Migration patterns can vary depending on geographic location and food availability.
Are starlings intelligent birds?
Starlings are considered highly intelligent birds. They are capable of learning complex tasks, imitating sounds, and navigating using landmarks. They also exhibit social learning abilities, acquiring new behaviors by observing other starlings.