The European Starling is considered an invasive species in North America because it is not native to the continent and its presence causes significant ecological and economic harm. They aggressively outcompete native bird species—especially cavity-nesters like bluebirds, woodpeckers, and swallows—for nesting sites. Furthermore, their large flocks can cause major damage to agricultural crops and create health hazards in urban areas.
The entire North American population of European Starlings, now numbering over 200 million, descends from a small group of birds released for a peculiar reason. In the early 1890s, a group led by a man named Eugene Schieffelin decided to introduce every bird mentioned in the works of William Shakespeare to North America.
The starling gets a single mention in *Henry IV, Part 1*. Based on this, about 100 starlings were released in New York's Central Park. Without natural predators and with an adaptable nature, their population exploded, and they spread across the continent in just a few decades.
The most severe ecological damage caused by starlings is their effect on native cavity-nesting birds.
Beyond their impact on wildlife, starlings also cause significant economic problems.
In agricultural areas, massive flocks of starlings can descend on fruit orchards (cherries, grapes) and grain fields, causing millions of dollars in crop damage. In cities and suburbs, their enormous winter roosts—sometimes containing hundreds of thousands of birds—create a major nuisance with noise and corrosive droppings that can pose health risks.
Several traits contribute to the starling's success:
For backyard birders, there are ways to discourage starlings and help native species:
Despite their invasive status, the starling remains a fascinating bird from a biological standpoint. To learn more about its incredible song, plumage, and the mesmerizing murmurations, **check out our complete guide to the European Starling**.