RSPB's Siân Denney helps us discover more about one of the best nature-wow moments at this time of year, Starling Mumurations. Check out her what, why, and where to see them guide below.
One of nature’s highlights throughout the colder months are the incredible aerial displays performed by one of our most charismatic species – Starling murmurations.
Whilst many of us might want to stay warm at home, these mesmerising spectacles are not to be missed and can be seen filling the skies as hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of Starlings flock together in a performance that will leave you in awe.
Photo above: Huge Starling murmuration of bird by Katie Nethercoat (rspb-images.com)
What is a Starling murmuration?
A murmuration is the collective noun for a group of Starlings. Murmurations can form enormous cloud-like shapes as they swoop and dive in clever patterns, avoiding any collisions in a way that once led scientists to believe Starlings must have psychic powers.
Starlings are resident in the UK all year round, but we see increased numbers from November to February when many migrate here from Scandinavia. The birds flock together and some murmurations can reach tens of thousands of individuals – the mass of flying birds move in amazing synchrony in what can only be described as a choreographed dance!
Photo above: Starling perched on fence post by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
Why do Starlings perform these displays?
Murmuration displays often occur at dusk, just before the birds all roost overnight which provides them with safety in numbers, warmth and the opportunity to share information about the best feeding grounds. Since so many birds arrive in the same place at once, they can be vulnerable to predators. By flying together in the sky, creating a moving mass of birds, the Starlings can confuse potential predatory species and make it harder for them to pick off individual birds.
Photo above: Starling, flock in murmuration by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
When and where to see a winter murmuration?
We start seeing murmurations from November as the birds gather at suitable roosting sites. These can last all the way through to February before the migrant Starlings go back to Scandinavia and our resident birds disperse to breed. To catch a glimpse of murmurations, it is recommended checking in advance before heading out – social media and websites such as Starlings In the UK [1] offer excellent updates on the latest sightings, including nature reserves, such as RSPB Leighton Moss, and at urban locations including Brighton Pier and Blackpool.
Photo above: Starling flock alighting under a pier, member of the public recording them on their phone by Ben Andrew (rspb-images.com)
A threatened species – how we can help Starlings?
Whilst murmurations are formed by impressive numbers of Starlings, this species is red listed in the UK [2] and considered a high conservation concern due to their declining numbers which have fallen by 54% since 1995 [3].
Starlings are regular garden visitors though, so there are ways you can help your local birds:
For more information on helping Starlings and any other wildlife in your garden, visit the RSPB website: https://www.rspb.org.uk/helping-nature/what-you-can-do/activities/nature-on-your-doorstep
Photo above: Starling Murmuration in the sky at sunset, Brighton Palace Pier by Katie Nethercoat (rspb-images.com)
I would be interested to learn of any recent research which underpins the assertion that roosts (or murmurations) provide "warmth and the opportunity to share information". All the research I've read suggests that murmuration and communal roosting provide neither. Murmuration is unrelated to ambient temperature and information parasitism is a more likely than sharing.
Beautiful photos, thanks.