There are an estimated 160 million European starlings nationwide. In a September post <Link> we raised concerns about nuisance birds, such as starlings, as costly and as potential disease carriers in fecal-oral fomite cycles. These birds cause issues on farms and swarm as scavengers in cities and towns consuming songbird seed, garden waste and garbage.
According to USDA’s National Wildlife Research Center, Pennsylvania dairies lose 6.3 percent of their feed to starlings each year, or about 178 million pounds. Large flocks of starlings can drive feed costs up 33 percent and reduce milk production, and more.
Source: The Bullvine, November 29, 2021. Link. Starlings also generate plenty of waste, triggering a host of disease issues. NWRC research shows the occurrence of Johne’s disease on Pennsylvania dairies can increase as much as 148 percent where large starling populations are present. Salmonella cases can skyrocket 900 percent, and veterinary bills can rise 25 percent.
INSIGHTS: People feeding birds in their backyards experience groups of starlings that devour food from feeders. Starlings and grackles are especially fond of suet, meal worms and black oil sunflower seeds. In a few minutes feeders can be emptied and the ground covered with fecal material. Wild bird feeding advocates recommend regular washing of feeders and routine clean-up of posts, railings, and the ground under the feeders.