THE EUROPEAN STARLING

Evidently, 60 European Starlings were released in Central Park in New York City in 1890 as a result of Eugene Schieffelin's attempt to introduce New Yorkers to all of the birds mentioned in the various works of William Shakespeare.

While there may not be much validity to this story, the European Starling population in North America now soars above 200 million. Obviously, this introduction has had a significant impact on the existing bird population as the starling competes with other birds for nesting areas.

Here are some European Starling facts:

• Feeds on most types of insects as well as seeds, nuts and grains
• They are distributed widely throughout the world and can travel in flocks of up to a million birds!
• Their plumage is shiny black with blue or green and mottled white spots
• The starling can grow to almost 9 inches tall and have a wing span of about 16 inches
• The acid found in large quantities of starling droppings can corrode metals
• Like the Feral Pigeon, starling droppings can carry a number of diseases that may affect human health