The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a small black bird with glossy feathers that is common across much of North America. While starlings are not native to the United States, they were introduced in the late 1800s and have spread rapidly across the country.
In many areas, starlings are considered nuisance pests that damage crops and displace native cavity-nesting birds. As a result, starlings are generally not protected by federal law and can be managed and controlled in most states. However, regulations surrounding starlings vary somewhat depending on the state.
Starling Status and Protection
At the federal level, starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act or other regulations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service classifies starlings as non-native birds that may be managed by individual states as they see fit.
In Massachusetts, European starlings are not considered native migratory birds and so have no special state protection. According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, starlings are classified as an unprotected bird species and can be managed using various control techniques.
This lack of regulatory protection for starlings allows farmers, property managers, and homeowners in Massachusetts to use lawful management methods to control starling damage and issues on their land without permits. Lethal and non-lethal techniques can both be utilized.
Why Starlings Are Not Protected
There are several reasons why starlings do not have legal protection in Massachusetts and most other states:
- Starlings are an introduced, invasive species – Native to Europe, starlings were brought to New York in the 1890s as part of a plan to introduce all birds mentioned by Shakespeare to the U.S. They then spread rapidly across the country.
- Starlings cause economic damage – Starlings damage crops and feed lots. A USDA study estimated their economic damage around $800 million per year nationwide.
- They displace native cavity nesters – Starlings compete with native species like bluebirds and woodpeckers for nesting sites.
- They cause health and safety issues – Large starling flocks create messes and disease issues in areas they roost and nest.
- Population is abundant – With around 200 million starlings in North America, the species remains abundant despite control efforts.
Due to these types of concerns, federal and state wildlife agencies classify starlings as invasive pests that require population management, rather than protected migratory birds.
Methods for Deterring and Controlling Starlings
Since starlings are not protected in Massachusetts, various control techniques can legally be used to manage them:
Non-lethal starling deterrents
- Reflective tape – Mylar tape produces flashes of light that startle birds.
- Predator decoys – Lifelike hawks and owls can frighten starlings away.
- Sound devices – Recordings of starling alarm and distress calls can disperse flocks.
- Nesting modifications – Blocking access to nesting and roosting sites discourages starling colonies.
- Repellents – Non-toxic methyl anthranilate sprays and gels make areas less attractive to starlings.
Lethal starling control techniques
- Shooting – Using firearms and air rifles to remove starlings where safe and legal.
- Toxic baits – Using DRC-1339 avicide bait targeted specifically at starlings around feedlots.
- Trapping – Funnel and decoy traps can capture starlings for euthanasia.
- Nest destruction – Removing and disposing of starling nests and eggs.
The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife must be consulted before using any large-scale lethal control techniques such as poisons or widespread nest destruction. But small-scale trapping or shooting by landowners is typically allowed without permits.
Using Caution and Seeking Advice
Despite starlings having no legal protection, some precautions should still be exercised when managing them:
- Always make sure control methods are legal in your area before using them.
- Avoid techniques that could also harm other bird species.
- Destroy only nests you definitively identify as belonging to starlings.
- Consult wildlife agencies if undertaking major control efforts.
- Seek professional guidance if needed to apply control methods properly.
With no regulations to restrict starling management, property owners have great flexibility in Massachusetts. But following best practices and advice from wildlife experts is still recommended.
Conclusion
In summary, European starlings are not native to North America and cause a variety of agricultural, economic, and ecological damage. For these reasons, starlings are not protected by federal or Massachusetts state laws and have no special conservation status.
Landowners, farmers, and property managers in Massachusetts are free to use lawful lethal and non-lethal starling control techniques without permits or restrictions from wildlife agencies. However, experts recommend using proper caution, species identification skills, and wildlife management principles when deterring or removing starlings to avoid harming non-target animals.
Responsible and humane starling control can help protect crops, buildings, and native cavity nesting birds populations across Massachusetts. Consultation with wildlife professionals is advisable when planning any substantial starling management program.
Category | Details |
---|---|
Legal status | Not protected by federal or Massachusetts law |
Classification | Unprotected invasive bird species |
Management | No permits/restrictions on control methods |
Control techniques | Lethal and non-lethal options permissible |
Expert consultation | Recommended for large-scale control |
Related Massachusetts Starling Management Resources
For further guidance on controlling starlings in Massachusetts, consult the following agencies and informative online resources:
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife – General bird management guidance and contacts.
- USDA APHIS Wildlife Services – Technical support for starling control operations.
- University of Massachusetts Amherst – Research on starling biology and control in the state.
- Massachusetts Society for the Protection of Birds – Advice on ethical, effective starling management.
- MassAudubon – Information on excluding starlings from nest boxes.
By reviewing starling management recommendations from these entities, Massachusetts landowners can plan safe, legal, and ecologically responsible programs to reduce starling conflicts on their properties.
Example Starling Control Programs in Massachusetts
Here are two examples of starling control efforts that have been undertaken in Massachusetts using allowed management techniques:
J.J. Nissen Bakery – Newburyport
This large bakery facility was plagued each winter by thousands of starlings that roosted on equipment and infrastructure. The accumulating starling excrement created unsanitary conditions in the food production areas. Wildlife Services biologists instituted an integrated management plan:
- Strobe lights, pyrotechnics, and distress calls scared starlings from preferred roosting sites.
- Adaptations to building ledges and other infrastructure made it less suitable for roosting.
- Trapping and shooting removed several hundred starlings over two winter seasons.
These control measures successfully resolved the bakery’s starling problem without the use of any avicides or poisons.
Southwick Zoo – Mendon
Starlings nesting within exhibit enclosures at this zoo were threatening the health and safety of some captive animal species. Zoo management implemented a starling nest removal program:
- Zoo staff identified starling nest sites and monitored them for eggs/chicks.
- Once starling pairs had completed nests and laid eggs, the nests were carefully removed at night and disposed of.
- This process was repeated continuously through the breeding season to prevent starlings from successfully nesting.
- No bird nests except definitively identified starling nests were disturbed.
By diligently removing starling nesting opportunities, the zoo was able to reduce health hazards posed by invasive starlings on zoo grounds.
Key Considerations for Starling Control Programs
When planning and implementing a starling control program in Massachusetts, some key factors to consider include:
Following the law
Always ensure control activities follow all state and local laws. While starlings are unprotected, methods like poisons have restrictions.
Timing and persistence
Control should be conducted particularly during vulnerable seasons like winter roosting and nesting. Persistence over multiple seasons is often needed.
Integrated methods
Combining multiple techniques like nest exclusion, frightening devices, and targeted trapping works better than a single approach.
Preventing recolonization
Modifying starling-friendly sites by blocking perches or access points can prevent starlings from returning.
Protecting native species
Avoid disturbance to native birds, especially during nesting periods, when managing starlings.
Working safely
Use proper protective equipment if using lethal control methods. Work with professionals if needed.
Proper disposal
Remove trapped and lethal controlled starlings promptly and dispose of properly.
Monitoring effectiveness
Track starling numbers and damage through a control program to determine effectiveness.
Public Health and Safety Considerations
Two public health and safety issues to consider when managing starlings are disease risks and allergies:
Disease
Starlings can carry bacterial and viral pathogens harmful to people, livestock, and other birds, including:
- Histoplasmosis – A respiratory fungal disease from starling droppings.
- Salmonella – Food poisoning bacterium found in starling feces.
- Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) – A swine disease spread by starlings.
- Avian influenza – Starlings can spread flu viruses between poultry farms.
Protective equipment like masks and gloves should be used when working amid starling droppings or collecting carcasses. Proper sanitation and personal hygiene are important.
Allergies
People can have allergic reactions to proteins from starling feathers and droppings. Symptoms like coughing, congestion, and asthma can occur when exposed. Precautions should be taken:
- Use dust masks, respirators when working around starling nests or roosts.
- Wash exposed skin afterwards to avoid skin reactions.
- Minimize stirring up particulate matter that contains allergens.
- Avoid touching eyes while working around starling allergens.
Proper protective gear and care when handling starlings or accumulated droppings can help prevent disease transmission and allergic reactions.
Ecological Impact of Starling Control
While starlings are problematic, killing large numbers may have some ecological consequences:
- Decreased food availability for scavengers and predators that eat starlings like hawks and foxes.
- Potential increase in insect pests normally eaten by starlings, like beetle larvae.
- Loss of important food sources for raptor migrants moving through the region.
- Less competition for some introduced species like house sparrows.
However, reducing starlings often benefits native cavity nesters like chickadees, nuthatches, and bluebirds by providing more natural nesting opportunities.
Gradual and localized control of specific problem starling flocks is less ecologically disruptive than rapid widespread population reduction. Environmental impacts should be considered when planning programs.
Public Perception Issues
When implementing starling control measures, public reactions should be considered:
- Lethal control, especially use of poisons, is opposed by some members of the public.
- Disturbing active nests, eggs, and chicks is viewed negatively by some people.
- Loud frightening devices may disturb neighbors.
- Trapping and shooting can upset residents if done secretly or irresponsibly.
Communication, transparency, and using humane methods minimizes criticism. But the invasive status of starlings and lack of legal protection aid in justifying control programs.
Costs of Starling Control
The costs of various starling management methods include:
- Lethal bait (DRC-1339) – $150 per quart.
- Live traps – $50 to $200 each.
- Shooting – Cost of ammunition/pellet rounds.
- Nest removal – Staff time.
- Hanging and cleaning netting – Labor and supplies.
- Falconry service – $100 to $500 per day.
- Professional service – $300 to $1500 per day.
Simple exclusion solutions like porcupine wire can be very affordable. More extensive control programs require greater investment but provide long-term reduction in damages.
Conclusion
In summary, European starlings are an abundant introduced species in Massachusetts known for causing agricultural and environmental damage. Lacking any legal protective status, property owners have flexibility in using both lethal and non-lethal starling management techniques.
Responsible control focused on specific problem flocks, combined with exclusion and habitat modification to prevent recolonization, can reduce starling issues without threatening overall populations. Consulting wildlife biologists helps ensure effective and ecologically sound control programs.
With thoughtful planning and use of best management practices, Massachusetts landowners can craft site-specific starling control solutions that relieve damages while respecting public interests and environmental integrity.