European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) - year-rounder

Based on 90 observations in Seymour township, Northumberland county, southeast Ontario, 1999-2003.

It is a hardy bird, seen in the area in every month of the year, but most abundant from May to October. It is likely that larger winter populations live in slightly warmer urban areas to the southwest during the winter, both at lakeshore sites (e.g., Cobourg) and in the big city (Toronto region). It is a gregarious species, and will often roost in large colonies in mature trees. The dense flight of a starling flock is seen most often at twilight. In this area substantial flocks, often 100 to as many as 500 birds, are to be expected in March and April, and again in September and October.

The starling is a common to abundant migrant and summer resident at Presqu'ile provincial park, roughly 40 km to the south, and an uncommon winter resident (LaForest, 1993, p.296). Most of the winter birds are seen at feeders along Bayshore Road on the edge of the park. In Peterborough county to the north and northwest, it is an abundant year-round resident, often seen in large flocks, especially in mid-October. It is said to be notably `aggressive and opportunistic, and often displaces native birds such as the flicker and bluebird' (Sadler, 1983, p.128).

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