Starling

Starling

Starling

Declines in starlings in gardens are ongoing but have slowed (from a moderate to a shallow rate) in recent 10-year periods. While these declines are persistent on the North Island, starling numbers in gardens on the South Island have generally stabilised since 2020.

Starlings are seen in half of gardens with bird feeders, and slightly less likely to be seen in gardens without feeders.

Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Other names: Common starling, European starling

New Zealand Status: Introduced
Conservation Status: Naturalised

Where they feed: Ground, shrubs and trees
What they eat: Invertebrates, fruit and nectar