The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of North America's most prolific and destructive invasive bird species. Introduced to New York's Central Park in 1890 by a group intent on introducing every bird mentioned in Shakespeare's works, the species has since spread to every corner of the continent — with an estimated population of over 200 million birds. Montana is firmly within their range, and starling pressure is a significant problem for agricultural operations, commercial facilities, and residential properties across the state.
Starlings are highly social birds that form enormous flocks — called murmurations — particularly in fall and winter. These flocks can number in the thousands to hundreds of thousands and tend to roost communally on building ledges, rooftops, transmission towers, and in large trees. They are cavity nesters and will aggressively compete with native Montana birds — bluebirds, swallows, and woodpeckers — for nesting sites.
In agricultural settings, starlings cause millions of dollars in damage annually by consuming and contaminating stored grain, livestock feed, and fruit crops. Their droppings are highly acidic and can cause significant structural damage to buildings, vehicles, and equipment. They are also capable of transmitting several diseases through their waste.
Size
8–9 inches
Color
Iridescent black with speckles; yellow bill in breeding season
Active Season
Year-round; flocking worst October–March
Risk Level
High (property damage, disease, agricultural loss)
Habitat
Urban buildings, agricultural facilities, trees
Flock Size
Dozens to hundreds of thousands
SIGNS OF INFESTATION
Signs of a Starling Problem on Your Property
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Large, noisy flocks — Loud, chattering flocks roosting on rooflines, ledges, or in trees near your building.
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Excessive droppings — Heavy accumulations of white and gray droppings on building ledges, equipment, vehicles, and walkways.
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Nesting in vents and eaves — Starlings nest in any available cavity; clogged dryer vents, HVAC openings, and eave gaps are common nesting sites.
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Contaminated feed — Grain bins or livestock feed troughs showing visible bird waste contamination.
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Crop damage — Pecking damage to fruits, grain heads, or germinating seeds in agricultural fields.
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Blocked gutters and drains — Nest material accumulating in gutters and causing water management problems.
HEALTH RISKS
European starling droppings can harbor several pathogens of concern, including Histoplasma capsulatum, the fungus responsible for histoplasmosis — a respiratory disease that can be serious or even fatal in immunocompromised individuals. Large accumulations of starling waste also carry Salmonella and E. coli. In livestock facilities, starlings are known vectors of transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) in swine, and their contamination of feed is a direct biosecurity risk. Workers involved in cleaning heavily soiled roost sites should always use appropriate respiratory protection.
PROPERTY DAMAGE
Starling droppings are highly acidic — pH levels as low as 3 — and will etch paint, corrode metal, degrade roofing materials, and stain concrete over time. A large roost on a commercial building can produce hundreds of pounds of waste per week. Nesting inside HVAC systems, dryer vents, and attic spaces creates fire hazards, blocks airflow, and causes equipment failure. The cost of deferred starling management almost always exceeds the cost of proactive control.
