The damage caused by adults in particular is noticeable by the windows they chew in the leaves. Characteristics. Starlings are found throughout mainland New Zealand, except in densely forested or mountainous country. Starlings migrate by day—their daily cycle is to leave at sunrise. Starlings have a black with green plumage with a purple iridescence and pale spots in the winter months. These birds will live in close proximity to man causing fouling of buildings, noise nuisance, infestations of insects and the risk of zoonotic (animal to human) infection with such diseases as ornithosis and salmonellosis. Recent studies have suggested that the number of resident starlings is in decline. THE INVASION The European starling’s native range is Europe, southwest Asia and northern Africa. Common Bird Pest Issues: Starlings are often referred to as the rats of the sky. established pest species around the world. Starlings are often referred to as the rats of the sky. Some farmers encourage starlings to prey on … They bring dirt, odour and noise to the buildings they infest. It helps control unwanted insects, including ticks on cattle and sheep, and crop pests such as caterpillars and grasshoppers. Bird pests common in New Zealand. These have a tendency to gather in large numbers and build nests in roofs and eaves. The common myna or Indian myna (Acridotheres tristis), sometimes spelled mynah, is a member of the family Sturnidae (starlings and mynas) native to Asia. Starlings often become a bigger urban pest in the colder months, as they move from rural trees to warm city buildings and stay throughout the winter. Starlings love to eat leatherjackets, the larvae of craneflies or daddy longlegs, which are considered a pest to many: they eat plant roots and can damage crops and make lawns look unsightly. Starling History in North America . ... Starlings. The construction of New Zealand buildings is such that they provide ideal entrance points to the warm dry eaves. An omnivorous open woodland bird with a strong territorial instinct, the common myna has adapted extremely well to urban environments.. It was introduced into North America, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia because of cultural longings of new immigrants and false perceptions of biological control of insects (Adeney 2001). Adults are small being approximately 5-10mm long and greyish brown in colour whilst the larvae are creamy white. The common starling is from Europe, North Africa and western Asia. Starlings For farmers, the common starling (Sturnus vulgaris) has been a useful introduction. They are about 220mm in size weighing about 73 -98 grams. It has also been introduced to Australia, New Zealand, North America and South Africa. In spring they seek nest sites and find gaps under the edge of the roofs of buildings. The name starling comes from the small white, green, blue flecks that can be seen on their backs - usually only in summer. The starling was first introduced to New Zealand to get rid of pest insects in crops and on farm animals.They are recognisable by their awkward walk, hyperactive behaviour and random, mimicking song. The European Starling, also known as the Common Starling, is a small bird native to Eurasia, but introduced in South Africa, North America, Australia and New Zealand. Because the starlings have fewer natural predators here, they spread unchecked, damaging environments and bullying native birds. Like most pests, birds are attracted to your property by food. Starlings are noisy and gregarious. ... Prevention is the first step for controlling any pest and birds are no exception. 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