Starlings are small songbirds that are native to Europe, Asia and North Africa. They were introduced to North America in the late 1800s and have since become an invasive pest species across much of the continent. While starlings may look pretty, they can cause a lot of damage through aggressive behavior and large roosting flocks. Trapping and removing starlings may be necessary in some cases to help mitigate problems caused by large numbers of these birds.
Why trap starlings?
There are a few main reasons why people may want to trap starlings:
- Reduce damage to crops – Starlings will flock to farms and orchards where they can damage fruit crops, newly planted seed, and livestock feed.
- Prevent building nests and roosts – Starlings will nest inside building crevices and form large night-time roosts which can cause noise, odor, and mess issues.
- Limit competition with native birds – Starlings aggressively compete for nest sites and food sources, displacing native songbirds in some cases.
- Decrease spread of disease – Starlings can carry bacterial and viral diseases which they spread through large droppings accumulations and to livestock feed and water sources.
Trapping and removing starlings becomes especially important when large flocks start to form as this magnifies the types of problems they can cause. It’s typically best to start control efforts early before populations grow too large.
Choosing a trapping method
There are a few different traps that can be used to capture starlings:
Funnel traps
Funnel traps consist of a large cage with a funnel-shaped entrance. Starlings enter through the funnel seeking food placed inside the trap as bait. Once inside, the birds are unable to find their way back out through the funnel opening. These types of traps are very effective for trapping large numbers of starlings at one time.
Nest box traps
Nest boxes provide an attractive cavity for starlings to nest in. Once the birds enter the box and begin building a nest, a trap door can be triggered either manually or automatically to close off the entrance. Nest box traps are a more selective option compared to large funnel traps.
Mist nets
Mist nets are thin nylon nets often used by ornithologists to capture wild birds for banding and research. These nets can be strategically placed in areas where starlings are likely to fly. Birds crash into the nearly invisible nets and become entangled allowing the trapper to then carefully extract them.
Cage traps
Cage traps (also called decoy traps) use live starling decoy birds inside a wire mesh trap to lure in other starlings which are then captured. These traps are baited with food and water to further attract birds. Once inside the cage, birds are unable to get back out.
Bait selection
Using the right bait is key to successfully trapping starlings. Good options include:
- Cracked corn
- Bread
- Mealworms
- Grapes
- Sunflower seeds
- Suet
- Berries
- Chopped nuts
It’s best to choose fresh bait that is high in fat and protein content. This helps attract larger numbers of starlings consistently. The exact bait used may require some trial and error experimentation to find out what works best for your particular location and birds.
Pre-baiting the trap site
It’s important to pre-bait any trap location for at least a few days prior to setting a trap. This conditions the starlings to repeatedly visit the site for a free food source. Once consistent numbers are attracted to the pre-bait site, a trap can then be installed and successfully put into action right away. Following this method will improve your overall trapping success.
Trap placement tips
Proper trap placement is also critical. Consider the following tips:
- Set traps along known starling flight paths and feeding areas.
- Elevate traps above ground on platforms or roof tops away from potential predators.
- Place traps where birds naturally congregate such as on top of buildings, in open fields, or near livestock feedlots.
- Avoid areas near perches, wires or fences where birds could potentially land and not enter the trap.
- Use multiple smaller traps in different locations rather than relying on just one large trap.
- Move traps occasionally if success wanes at one site.
Taking the time to strategically place traps where starlings are likely to find them will increase the odds of success.
Dealing with trapped starlings
Once starlings are caught in a trap, they need to be humanely euthanized. Acceptable methods according to wildlife authorities include:
- Cervical dislocation – Severing the neck vertebrae
- CO2 chamber – Exposing multiple birds to concentrated carbon dioxide gas
- Stunning followed by decapitation – A hard blow to the head followed by decapitation
Releasing, relocating or attempting to domesticate trapped starlings is illegal in many states. Safe carcass disposal must also follow local guidelines, usually consisting of double-bagging remains prior to placing in the trash.
Top tips for successful starling trapping
Follow these top tips for best results when trapping starlings:
- Use an appropriately sized trap for the number of starlings you want to catch.
- Pre-bait trap locations for several days before setting a trap.
- Check traps frequently, at least once daily.
- Be sure to remove and euthanize any trapped birds in a timely, ethical manner.
- Record your catch numbers to track success over time.
- Clean and disinfect traps between use at different sites.
- Follow all regulations for trapping starlings in your state or region.
Alternative starling control methods
In addition to trapping, there are some other techniques that can be used to control problem starling flocks:
Exclusion
Blocking starling access to potential nesting, roosting and feeding sites using netting, metal mesh, spikes, slope modifications or other exclusion methods.
Repellents
Applying chemical repellents to discourage starlings from utilizing an area. Examples include methyl anthranilate or capsaicin-based products.
Habitat modification
Removing vegetation, food sources or structures that attract starlings to an area.
Frightening devices
Using loud sounds, flashing lights, predator decoys or other scare tactics to frighten starlings away from a location.
Population control
Ongoing trapping efforts, especially during winter and summer when starling numbers are highest.
An integrated pest management plan that combines multiple techniques will provide the best long-term starling control.
Key considerations when trapping starlings
When undertaking any starling trapping program, be sure to keep the following in mind:
- Consult local wildlife authorities regarding licenses, regulations, or permits that may be required.
- Use traps selectively and strategically when starling populations reach problematic levels.
- Avoid excessive trapping pressure as remaining starlings may learn to avoid traps.
- Monitor for and minimize capture of non-target species.
- Combining trapping with habitat modification and exclusion is most effective.
- Properly maintaining and cleaning traps is important.
- Follow humane guidelines for handling and euthanizing trapped birds.
Trapping can be an valuable tool as part of an integrated starling management plan. Consider all local regulations and impacts to non-target species when implementing any trapping program.
Conclusion
Trapping is one method that can be utilized to help control problem starling flocks. By using an effective trapping technique, pre-baiting sites, attracting birds with good bait, and proper trap placement, starlings can be captured successfully. Consider integrating trapping with exclusion techniques, habitat modification and scare tactics for best results. Always be sure to follow regulations and use humane methods when trapping starlings. With some effort and persistence, trapping can help reduce starling numbers to more manageable levels in order to decrease issues associated with these invasive birds.