26 February 2021
Stella was a European starling who was rescued when she fell out of her nest in St. Louis. Her rescuer, Rebecca B, was unable to return Stella to the nest (too high up) so she took care of the bird, planning to return her to the wild when she was old enough to survive on her own.
Rebecca B wrote in September 2015: “Well, that didn’t really work out as planned. Stella quickly became very attached and more of a pet than a wild bird. It became very clear she wasn’t suited to live outside in the wild when she began to talk and say “stella is a pretty bird” at only 4 months old! The whistles followed quickly.. and she hasn’t stopped learning.”
This week I wrote a lot about starlings. … Whattaya think?
p.s. In the U.S., European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are an invasive alien species and are not protected as native birds are. That means starlings, unlike native birds, can be kept as pets without a permit.
Stella! Stella! Stella!
I love you!
I’ve enjoyed the series, especially since it has been on a common bird that I am able to see in my own backyard! More relatable! Just love starting my days with your articles!
I think I learned a lot I didn’t know once again!
I sadly, was also reminded of the horrible summer nights in the 50’s when the police in Rochester NY would shoot them out of the trees. It is a terrible childhood memory to have, but they really did do that.
I KNOW that Stella is one adorable bird. Thanks, Kate. Have a good weekend.
For another fascinating look at starlings, I highly recommend the book “Mozart’s Starling” by Lyanda Lynn Haupt.
Stop!! Who knew?! What a fun Friday post. Thanks Kate, have a good weekend.
Starlings are an invasive species from Europe that kill many of our native cavity nesting birds Blue Birds, Purple Martins are just a few.
True. Starlings are invasive and aggressive. Interestingly, during nest competition starlings will kill house sparrows, which are the main scourge of bluebirds. As for purple martins, people can modify the martin house openings to exclude starlings.
I have been a Purple Martin landlord for a few years now, and have had to deal with issues related to Starlings and House sparrows nesting in the Martin houses. The starlings are pretty territorial and fight with the martins and sometimes will break/eat eggs and harm martin nestlings. I wondered if you would consider doing an article on Purple martins and the efforts to help them recover.
Mark, glad to hear you’re helping purple martins! A few years ago I attended & wrote about Bob Allnock’s purple martin landlord reunion. Sadly he passed away since then but the landlords in his area are still going strong. Here’s the news from that event and info on helping purple martins: https://www.birdsoutsidemywindow.org/2016/07/22/purple-martins-faithful-to-home/