The Starlings or Druid as gaeilge, have been really grabbing my attention lately. That photo from Lough Ennell last week certainly grabbed attention worldwide.◾At first glance starlings look somewhat dull and drab however on closer inspection they can have bright cream speckles (in winter) plus a wonderfully iridescent plumage. They often congregate in large numbers and can be quite noisy and raucous.
◾A flock of starlings is called a murmuration and in winter these gatherings can number in excess of one million individuals.
◾A starling’s long bill is yellow and the base is pink in females and blue in males.
◾Call: Excellent mimics. But typically issues a series of clicks, whistles & squeaks.
◾Habitat: Forest, farmland, woodland, urban
◾Diet: Insects, especially crane fly larvae, also fruit and seeds.
◾Nesting: April-May
◾Breeding Age: From 2 years
◾Number of Eggs: 4-5
◾No. of Clutches: 1 or 2
◾Lifespan: 5 years. Oldest recorded at 17 years 8 months
◾Conservation Status in Ireland: AMBERYou can see this beautiful character in our Farmyard Féasta book by clicking here
We ship with An Post twice a week. COLLECTION available from our Kildare office Mon - Thurs 09:30 - 13:00. Dismiss