The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is considered an invasive species in Ohio and throughout much of North America. Native to Europe, Asia and North Africa, starlings were introduced to New York City’s Central Park in the 1890s and have since spread across the continent, competing with native bird species for food and nesting sites.
What is the status of starlings in Ohio?
Starlings are now extremely common and widespread across Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), starlings are “one of Ohio’s most common birds” and the state’s population likely numbers in the millions.
The large and growing population of starlings in Ohio is linked to the species’ adaptability. Starlings are able to thrive in many different habitats from rural farmlands to heavily urbanized cityscapes. Their diet is also diverse, consisting of insects, fruits, seeds and even human refuse. In addition, starlings will readily nest in tree cavities, nest boxes and building crevices, allowing them to take advantage of nesting sites wherever they occur.
When did starlings arrive in Ohio?
Starlings were first observed in Ohio in 1919 in the northeast part of the state along Lake Erie, according to records compiled by The Ohio State University. However, the species did not become firmly established and abundant across all of Ohio until the 1940s.
After being introduced to New York City in 1890 and 1891, starlings spread rapidly across the Eastern U.S. They were sighted in Chicago by 1905 and reached the Mississippi River by 1930. Part of the challenge in pinpointing their exact arrival date in Ohio is that migratory flocks would sometimes appear in the state before the species became a permanent breeding resident.
What impact are starlings having in Ohio?
The large and growing population of starlings is having a harmful impact on native bird species as they compete for limited resources. Some specific effects include:
- Competing with native cavity-nesting birds like bluebirds, woodpeckers and owls for nesting sites
- Competing with native berry-eating birds like robins and waxwings for fruit resources
- Displacing native bird species like purple martins from preferred nesting locations
- Possible transmission of diseases to native birds
In addition to effects on other bird species, starlings can cause damage to agriculture by eating cultivated fruits and grains. Their droppings can also create sanitation and disease issues in areas where they congregate in large flocks.
Are starlings considered an invasive species in Ohio?
Yes, starlings are classified as an invasive species by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and other authorities:
- Listed as an invasive species by the ODNR
- Listed as a pest species by the Ohio Invasive Plants Council
- Listed as an invasive species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
These classifications reflect that starlings are a non-native species intentionally introduced to North America that is now causing harm to native habitats, wildlife and agriculture.
What efforts are being made to control starlings in Ohio?
Despite being considered an invasive pest species, very little effort in Ohio is directed at controlling starling populations or mitigating their impacts. Reasons include:
- Starlings are now far too numerous and widespread to feasibly control
- Lethal control, like poisoning, is illegal and unethical
- Non-lethal control options are limited in their effectiveness
- Their negative impacts, though real, are not considered severe enough to warrant large-scale control programs
Some localized control efforts do occur, such as discouraging roosting on specific properties by removing vegetation or using repellents. Installing nest boxes for native cavity-nesters may also help provide some protected nesting sites.
Ohio starling population and distribution
There are no systematic surveys or population estimates for starlings in Ohio. However, we can infer their widespread distribution and abundance from available data:
Data Source | Evidence for Widespread Starling Population in Ohio |
---|---|
Breeding Bird Survey | Detected on 100% of Breeding Bird Survey routes in Ohio from 1966-2019, with an average of 12 birds per route. |
Christmas Bird Count | One of the most commonly detected species on Ohio Christmas Bird Counts each year with many thousands typically observed statewide. |
eBird records | Observed in all 88 Ohio counties with sightings year-round. |
These data sources all indicate that starlings occur in significant numbers across all parts of Ohio throughout the year. Population likely numbers in the millions statewide.
Negative impacts of starlings
Some specific examples of negative impacts linked to starlings in Ohio include:
- At West Sister Island on Lake Erie, competition with starlings for nest sites is considered a factor in the decline of breeding colonies of great blue herons, great egrets and black-crowned night herons.
- Starlings are known to take over purple martin nesting boxes, limiting potential habitat for this native bird species that is dependent on artificial nesting structures in Ohio.
- Roosting flocks numbering thousands of birds cause noise, odor and sanitation issues in some Ohio cities during winter, most notably Cleveland.
- Orchards and vineyards must manage starlings to limit damage to cherry, grape, berry and other fruit crops.
These examples illustrate the diversenegative impacts resulting from the species’ successful invasion and abundance in Ohio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, starlings are considered an invasive bird species in Ohio due to their non-native status and harmful impacts on native bird species, agriculture and human interests. Introduced in the late 1800s, they swiftly expanded their range and population across the state by the mid-1900s. While no major control programs are in place, starlings are classified as invasive by state and federal agencies. Their high numbers and adaptability allow them to thrive statewide while competing with native cavity-nesters and fruit-eaters and causing nuisance issues in some areas. Ongoing management and exclusion efforts on a local level may help mitigate some impacts but starlings are likely to remain one of Ohio’s most numerous and successful avian invaders.