Starlings are a type of bird found across much of North America. They are known for their dark, iridescent feathers and their noisy chattering calls. While starlings can be found across North America throughout much of the year, their migratory patterns and year-round presence vary by region. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the seasonal patterns of starlings and whether they are present all year long in different areas.
What are starlings?
Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) are a medium-sized songbird native to Europe and Asia. They were introduced to North America in the late 1800s and have since spread across most of the continent.
Starlings have dark plumage that appears black or dark brown from a distance. Up close, their feathers have an iridescent sheen with flecks of white and green. Their beaks are long, pointed, and yellow during breeding season.
Starlings are cavity nesters and will nest in tree cavities, human structures like barns or bridges, and even nest boxes intended for other birds. They lay 4-6 pale blue eggs and raise multiple broods per season from spring through summer.
These birds form large, noisy flocks called “murmurations” that wheel through the sky before roosting. Starlings produce a wide variety of vocalizations including whistles, clicks, and warbling sounds. They are opportunistic feeders and consume everything from insects and earthworms to grains, seeds, and fruit.
Starling migration patterns
Starlings in North America migrate in complex patterns based on latitude and climate. Northern populations are more strongly migratory, traveling south for the winter, while southern populations may only make local movements. Here are some key aspects of starling migration:
– Northern flocks – Starlings that breed in Alaska, Canada, and the northern U.S. states like Wisconsin and Maine migrate south in the winter, traveling as far as Mexico.
– Mid-latitude flocks – Starlings that nest in mid-latitude states like Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Oregon may migrate shorter distances south or west. Some will overwinter in these regions if food is adequate.
– Southern flocks – Starlings living in southern states like Florida, Texas, and California are often year-round residents. They may wander locally between breeding and wintering grounds.
– Juveniles – Young starlings on their first migration often travel further south than adults. The following year they may migrate shorter distances.
– East/west patterns – Some starlings migrate east/west rather than north/south depending on food availability. For example, some Midwest birds fly west to milder Pacific states for winter.
So in general, more northerly starling populations migrate greater distances while southern flocks are more likely to stay put year-round. But migration patterns vary across their range.
Are starlings found year-round in the Northeast?
In the Northeast region of the U.S. including states like New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine, starlings are present mainly during spring and summer for breeding. Most migratory individuals arrive back in March and April and stay until October or November before migrating south for winter. However, a few facts about year-round starling presence in the Northeast include:
- Some individuals, particularly juveniles, may overwinter in the Northeast during mild winters if adequate food is available.
- Small winter flocks have been observed in urban areas where artificial feeding provides food.
- Birds from more northern areas like Canada may pass through on migration, temporarily boosting numbers.
So while the majority of starlings vacate the Northeast for winter, some individuals may remain in localized areas with adequate shelter and food sources. But overall starling numbers are significantly lower in winter months.
Summary of starling presence in the Northeast
Season | Starling Presence |
---|---|
Spring & Summer | Present in abundance for breeding |
Fall | Numbers drop as migration south begins |
Winter | Largely absent but some overwintering occurs |
So we can summarize that starlings are common spring through fall residents in the Northeast but the majority vacate the region in winter months.
Do starlings stay year-round in the Southeast?
In the Southeastern U.S. including states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama, starlings can be found year-round in most areas. The relatively mild climate of the Southeast allows for year-round starling habitation. Here are some key facts about starlings in the Southeast:
- Starlings are abundant year-round residents across most of the Southeast.
- Some northern migrants join southern flocks in winter months.
- Urban and suburban areas provide artificial food sources.
- Rural populations may fluctuate locally with food availability.
- Starlings take advantage of southeastern agriculture like citrus farms.
So starlings are mainly permanent residents across the Southeast. Some key exceptions include:
- High elevations in Appalachian Mountains may see seasonal absence.
- Northern Florida may see declines in winter if cold weather restricts food.
But overall starlings thrive year-round across most of the warm, southern climate of the Southeast region.
Summary of starling presence in the Southeast
Season | Starling Presence |
---|---|
Spring | Abundant residents across region |
Summer | Locally common, nesting and raising young |
Fall | Still widespread, winter flocks begin forming |
Winter | Common year-round, numbers may increase with migrants |
In summary, starlings are found across the Southeast year-round, with stable or growing numbers through fall and winter.
Do starlings inhabit the Southwest all year?
The Southwest region including arid states like Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and parts of California has variable starling presence throughout the year. Here are some key patterns:
- Starlings occur year-round in low desert areas like Phoenix and Tucson.
- Numbers decline in winter at higher elevations like mountains.
- Some southern Arizona and New Mexico populations migrate south into Mexico.
- Many California starlings migrate east/west or to Mexico in winter.
- Starlings are rare to absent year-round in driest desert and canyon areas.
So starling presence in the Southwest is spotty and linked to suitable habitat, especially areas with water and human agriculture or development. Urban areas support year-round populations best.
Summary of starling presence in the Southwest
Season | Starling Presence |
---|---|
Spring | Increasing as winter flocks break up and migrants return |
Summer | Locally nesting and foraging, mainly in wetter areas |
Fall | Stable numbers prior to winter movements |
Winter | Declines in many areas, concentrated around water and cities |
So we see starlings are not uniformly year-round residents of the Southwest. Their winter presence depends on localized habitat,elevation, and urban food sources in the region.
Are starlings present all year in the Midwest?
The Midwest region including major states like Illinois, Missouri, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio, and Michigan has robust starling populations during spring and summer. In winter, their presence is more variable based on local habitat. Here are key patterns:
- Most Midwest starlings migrate south for winter, though some remain.
- Starlings overwinter in greatest numbers near the Ohio River Valley.
- Some birds disperse west when eastern food gets scarce.
- Lingering birds congregate near farms, feedlots, and urban areas with food.
- Harsher winters cause greater declines in northern states.
So the Midwest generally sees declining starling numbers through fall migration. But mild areas and areas with artificial food stability can support overwintering populations at reduced levels.
Summary of starling presence in the Midwest
Season | Starling Presence |
---|---|
Spring | Abundant as flocks return and disperse to nesting sites |
Summer | Numerous and widespread nesting populations |
Fall | Declining as migration south begins |
Winter | Scattered overwintering flocks remain, mostly farther south |
So winter starling numbers drop sharply in the Midwest, though some remain in favored southern habitats with open water and food.
Do starlings stay all year in western states?
In the western states like Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming starling presence also varies markedly with the seasons. Here are some patterns:
- Starlings are widespread in western states in spring and summer.
- Some birds migrate south for winter, others head to Pacific coast.
- Starling presence declines at higher mountain elevations in winter.
- Flocks concentrate in major river valleys and urban areas in colder months.
- The mildest coast regions support year-round populations.
So starlings occupy much of the west in spring and summer during breeding season. But winter movements concentrate the remaining birds in select milder lowland regions.
Summary of starling presence in western states
Season | Starling Presence |
---|---|
Spring | Widespread nesting populations |
Summer | Locally abundant populations throughout region |
Fall | Some migration begins south and west |
Winter | Mainly concentrated along Pacific coast and major rivers |
So we see pronounced seasonal changes in starling distribution and numbers across the west as breeding populations shift for winter.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starling presence and abundance varies both by region and season throughout North America. While starlings may seem ubiquitous, their migratory patterns, local habitat preferences, and food requirements cause populations to shift and concentrate at different times of year.
In northern areas like the Northeast, starlings are clearly migratory and largely vacate in winter. But in southern and mild coastal areas like the Southeast and Pacific Northwest, they are able to maintain year-round residence. Interior regions see mixed patterns based on elevation, climate severity, and availability of food and water. But only in their southernmost range are starlings truly reliable year-round residents. Tracking starling movements provides insights into their adaptability and the factors that shape populations of introduced avian species.