European Starling
(Sturnus vulgaris) Y |
 |
RANGE: Introduced to North America from Europe.
Breeds from southeastern Alaska and the southern half of all
Canadian provinces south to Mexico, the Gulf of Mexico, and
southern Florida. Still uncommon in some recently occupied parts
of the Southwest and the Rocky Mountains, but continues to
expand range. Migrates sometimes in the northern part of the
range.
STATUS: Abundant in most of its range.
HABITAT: Occupies a great variety of habitats from suburban to
rural and woodlands wherever suitable nesting sites occur.
Appears to favor thickly settled agricultural areas and tends to
avoid dense forests away from human habitation.
SPECIAL HABITAT REQUIREMENTS: : Cavities for nesting. Strongest
nesting habitat association in urban and rural
residential areas and the edges of cropland, pasture and
orchard.
NEST: Normally selects an old woodpecker or natural cavity in
trees, utility poles, or fence posts but is extremely adaptable
in its choice of nest sites. Usually nests earlier than many
other cavity nesters and may be a serious competitor for
available nest cavities.
FOOD: Generally forages on the ground. Is sometimes considered a
serious agricultural pest in some areas because it eats
practically all grains, digs up sprouting seeds, and eats
livestock feed. However, is considered beneficial in some areas
because more than half of the diet is animal material, including
clover weevils, cutworms, and Japanese beetles. Also eats a
variety of domestic and wild fruits.
REFERENCES: Adamus et al. 2001, Forbush and May 1955, Kalmbach
1928, Kessel 1953, 1957, Planck 1967, Royall 1966, Shunk 2004,
Small 1974. |
