Starlicide is a slow-acting poison that is highly toxic to starlings and other blackbird species. It eventually eliminates the majority of birds that cause damage. Contact your local pet food store to find out where to buy. Use it strictly according to the instructions on the label. Do not use in the presence of protected species. People diagnosed with histoplasmosis usually work where bird or bat droppings have accumulated (poultry farmers, contractors clearing old buildings) or explore caves where bats lived, not just near starling roosts. Despite the very low risk of harm to humans, histoplasmosis has been used to justify the death of starlings when the nuisance of large sleeping places disturbs people. Sometimes young starlings get stuck in chimneys and fall into open spaces from which they cannot escape. This can apply in particular to exhaust air openings in microwaves and extractor hoods.

To help a star come out of one of these vents, you may need to remove the hood or microwave, so you may want to call a professional. If there are starlings in the vicinity, other cave breeders sometimes fail. People may remember that blue birds declined in the first half of the last century after the introduction of starlings and house sparrows. But a recent study of the populations of 27 native cave-nesting species found that starlings are virtually absent. Only juice suckers may have decreased because of starlings. Invasive alien species are introduced species that benefit from their new environment, so they significantly increase the reach of their population over time. Invasive species are currently considered one of the main threats to global biodiversity. House sparrows and starlings were both introduced to North America in the 19th century. They are now permanent residents in the United States and Canada, almost always near areas of human habitation and disturbance (e.g. cities and suburbs) or areas with a reliable food source such as barns or granaries. Both species nest in structures ranging from gutters and downspouts to thick shrubs and bushes, but like to use nest boxes when available. Outperforming native cave breeders, they are known to destroy nests and eggs and kill chicks and adults while taking control of an occupied nesting site.

Further information on the biology of these species can be found on these pages. You can install nest boxes with small entrance holes to let in small cave nestlers (like bluebirds) and starlings out. Large numbers of starlings are killed every year because they eat grain and animal feed and leave behind feces. This type of exclusion can be practiced systematically, because starlings can move from one favorite place to another, less preferred, but available nearby. By observing, monitoring and reacting until there is a general exclusion, local governments can solve many starling problems. Placement The most effective way to prevent alien species from breeding in your nest boxes is to simply move your nest boxes. Only place your boxes in areas where these birds are not present. House sparrows and starlings prefer to be close to human habitations, and starlings also often inhabit agricultural areas with abundant grains. Therefore, placing your nest boxes in natural areas away from densely populated places can prevent many non-target birds from finding them. Please tolerate starlings in spring when visiting herds, examine grass for larvae and clean insects under new plants. In fact, they provide a service.

Adult starlings are about 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 inches long and weigh about 2 1/2 to 3 ounces on average. They are stocky and short-tailed, and their color changes according to the seasons. In spring and summer, European starlings are black with a dazzling green-purple glow and a yellow beak. In winter, starlings are strongly speckled with white and gold, and their beaks are dark in color. They have two short legs, each with one face back and three toes facing forward. Their body and wings are covered with feathers. European starlings have a moderately long, horn-shaped beak that has no teeth.