Starling Life Cycle: Nest Building To Fledging (and everything in between)
Large flocks of Starlings are a common sight over large parts of the UK. In late Autumn and early Winter they can be seen gathering together in order to perform a great visual display, the murmuration. This is where hundreds or even thousands of birds all fly off and perform synchronised aerial displays.
Starlings are also known to gather at garden food tables and feeding stations bullying other bird species away. From a distance Starlings look black and are often mistaken for Blackbirds. However, when seen up close they have a unique colouration.
During the breeding season, Starlings have a purplish-green iridescence with bright yellow beaks. In Winter they have a brown plumage covered in white spots. When flying, they resemble a 4 pointed star with their short pointed wings, short tails and long slender beaks.
In this article we’ll be looking at the life cycle of the Starling from nest building through to the fledging of the chicks. Keep reading to find out more.
Table of Contents
How Long Does A Starling Live?
Starlings have a typical lifespan of around 5 years and reach sexual maturity at around the age of 2 years. However, given favourable conditions, Starlings can live far longer.
In 2001 a Starling was recorded to have survived for 17 years and 5 months according to ring data.
How Fast Can A Starling Fly?
When migrating, Starlings can fly at speeds of up to 37 to 50 mph (60 to 80 km/h). They are known to cover anywhere between 620 to 930 miles (1000 to 1500 km) each year between their breeding and wintering grounds.
They can also move quite rapidly when on the ground and are known to walk and run at relatively high speeds. Unlike other smallish birds, Starlings walk and run rather than hop.
Are Starlings Aggressive?
Starlings can be quite aggressive, especially when competing for food or nesting sites. They are highly territorial and often display aggressive behaviours toward other bird species, such as chasing them away from feeding areas or nest boxes.
Their aggressive nature, combined with their ability to form large flocks, can displace native bird species, which is one of the reasons starlings are considered invasive in some regions. Their competitiveness and aggression can lead to a decline in the populations of other birds in the areas they inhabit.
What Is A Starling’s Habitat?
Starlings are versatile birds and can survive in a variety of habitats. Including woodlands, farmlands and wetlands. As well as urban and suburban areas.
They are resident birds in the UK with an estimated 1.8 million breeding birds. This number increases during Winter months when European Starlings migrate to the warmer climes of the UK.
How Long Does It Take For A Starling To Build A Nest?
The amount of time needed for a Starling to build a nest can vary from a few days to more than a week. It all depends on the area selected for the nest site and the amount of nesting materials close by.
They typically nest in tree cavities, nesting boxes and underneath roofing tiles. The nest is constructed from dried grass and leaves and is built solely by the male. The female then lines the nest with wool, fur, moss and/or feathers.
Eggs
Once the pair are satisfied with their nesting site and have constructed a satisfactory nest, the female will lay her eggs. This is a crucial stage in the life cycle of Starlings as it will introduce the next generation of birds ensuring the population continues to grow.
When Do Starlings Lay Eggs?
The breeding season for Starlings runs from March to June with the eggs typically being laid around mid-April. If they were successful in raising their first brood of the year and conditions are favourable, the pair may go on to raise a second brood in the same year.
How Many Eggs Does A Starling Lay?
Starlings can lay anywhere between 4 to 7 eggs in a clutch. The average clutch size is around 4 to 5 eggs. Influencing factors include the age, health and experience of the female and the availability of adequate food supplies.
What Do Starling Eggs Look Like?
Starling eggs are glossy and pale blue in colour. They are plain with no markings or spots and are around 30 x 21 mm in size. Each egg weighs around 7 grams with around 6% of that weight being the weight of the shell.
How Long Do Starling Eggs Take To Hatch?
The eggs are incubated by both parents for around 12 to 15 days before they hatch. Both parents take turns incubating and turning the eggs. When one parent is on the nest, the other goes off to feed.
Chicks
Once the eggs hatch, we move on to the next stage in the life cycle of the Starling, the chicks.
How Many Chicks Does A Starling Have?
The number of chicks should correspond to the number of eggs laid. However, Starlings have a 50 to 80% egg to chick survival rate.
This means that from a clutch of 4 eggs, we can expect 2 or 3 chicks to survive to the hatchling stage.
When Do Starling Chicks Open Their Eyes?
Starling chicks typically open their eyes around 6 to 7 days after hatching. These altricial chicks are blind and naked when they first hatch and are reliant on their parents for food, warmth and protection.
Once their eyes open, the chicks start to recognise their parents and siblings and can start to compete for food.
When Do Starling Chicks Fledge?
As the young chicks grow and develop they start to use their wings. Stretching and flapping to develop the strength needed to start to fly.
They typically fledge the nest, or take their first flight when they are around 19 to 21 days old. Even after fledging, the younglings will still return to the nest for a few days or weeks and still receive help and guidance from their parents.
SEE ALSO: Common Raven Diet and Size: Feeding Habits, Predators, and Measurements
Frequently Asked Questions
The average lifespan of a Starling is around 5 years in the wild. However, under the right circumstances, some Starlings can survive for far longer. There is one bird that lived for more than 17 years and 5 months according to ring records.
Starling eggs are glossy and pale blue in colour. They are plain with no markings or spots and are around 30 x 21 mm in size.
After the eggs hatch, the young Starlings tend to remain in the nest for around 19 to 21 days until they are strong enough to fledge. Even after fledging, the young Starlings still return to the nest for a few days or weeks learning where to find food and what to eat.
