The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a small bird native to Europe and parts of Asia. It was introduced to North America in the late 1800s and has since become one of the most numerous songbirds on the continent. Despite being non-native, European starlings are sometimes kept as pets in the United States. So can you legally own a European starling in the US? The short answer is yes, with some restrictions depending on where you live.
Legality of Owning European Starlings
European starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the main federal law governing bird ownership. This means it is legal to own a European starling without a permit in all 50 states. However, several states have additional laws regarding non-native species like the starling:
- In California, European starlings are on the restricted species list and cannot be kept as pets without a permit.
- Hawaii prohibits possessing or transporting European starlings in order to protect native species.
- Some states require permits for any wild-caught birds, which would apply to capturing a starling from the wild.
So you can legally buy and own a European starling in most of the United States, but be sure to check your state’s regulations first. It is illegal to release non-native birds like starlings into the wild.
Finding a European Starling
Since wild-caught starlings are off limits in many areas, you will need to source your bird from a breeder. There are a few breeders and dealers that specialize in European starlings and other softbills:
- Avian-Xotics in Florida
- The Exotic Petstore in Indiana
- Fine Feathered Friends in Washington
Starling chicks can sell for $50-150 depending on color morphs. Common morphs are the wild-type gray and less common yellow or white. You may also find starling-myna hybrids. Make sure the seller has captive bred, hand-raised babies so the bird will be tame. Adults that grew up in the wild will not adapt well to captivity.
Transport and sale of starlings across state lines is legal with no permits required. Most breeders can ship birds by plane to your nearest major airport. You will need to pick them up promptly as live animal cargo.
Housing Your Starling
Starlings are very active birds that need lots of space. The minimum cage size for one starling is 2 ft x 2 ft x 3 ft (length x width x height). Bigger is always better. The best home for a pet starling is a walk-in aviary or a room of your house devoted to the bird. Starlings kept in small cages may develop behavioral problems and become neurotic.
Cages must have horizontal bars that are no more than 3⁄4 inches apart so the starling cannot squeeze through. Avoid cages with vertical bars because starlings like to climb. Line the bottom of the cage with bird-safe litter, pine shavings, or absorbent paper. Spot clean daily and change completely weekly.
Starlings are social flock birds. If possible, house starlings in pairs or small groups. Introduce new birds slowly under supervision. Starlings often do well with other softbills like mynahs. Avoid housing them with small species they could hurt.
Make sure your starling’s cage has several perches of varying widths, diameters, and textures to keep their feet healthy. Natural tree branches work well. Leave the bark on for an authentic look.
Cage Enrichment
An engaging environment is crucial for your starling. Here are some enrichments to include:
- Toys – especially shreddable and foraging toys
- A water container big enough for bathing
- Shelves, ladders, and swings
- Shower perches for misting
Rotate new toys into the cage regularly so your starling stays interested. Place foods like sprouts and chopped veggies in puzzle toys or hidden in shredded paper to encourage natural foraging behavior.
Starling Diet
Starlings are omnivores that thrive on a varied diet. A basic diet can consist of:
- High quality softbill pellet
- Chopped fruit and veggies
- Cooked beans, rice, pasta
- Live mealworms
- Scrambled egg
- Unsalted nuts
- Sprouts
- Bird bread
- Chopped hard boiled egg
- Insectivore supplements
Offer small amounts of new foods periodically to keep your starling interested. Chop produce into bird-safe pieces. Avoid avocado and fruit pits/seeds which can be toxic. Fresh water must be available at all times.
Starlings love “birdie bread” which can be made by baking finely chopped veggies, grains, eggs, etc into a muffin-like loaf. Look up nutritious starling bread recipes online.
Mealworms
Live mealworms are a starling favorite for recreating their natural insect diet. Use them sparingly, no more than 1-2 worms per day. Too much protein can cause kidney issues. Mealworms are available live or dried in pet stores.
Gut load your mealworms before feeding by putting them in a bed of nutritious bran cereal or veggies for at least 24 hours. This boosts their vitamin content. Rinse worms before feeding to prevent contamination.
Starling Personality and Behavior
Starlings are extremely social, intelligent, and active birds. They form very strong bonds with their owners and need lots of interaction and mental stimulation. A lone starling will pine for your companionship and can develop behavioral issues. Spend at least 2-3 hours a day playing, training, and bonding with your pet starling.
Starlings mimic sounds extremely well, including human speech and songs. Teach your starling fun words and whistles. They love to show off their vocal skills. Tame starlings ride on shoulders, snuggle in laps, and follow owners around the house.
Be prepared for mess and noise. Starlings are naturally vocal and enthusiastic eaters who scatter food. Their droppings are also large and frequent. Cover floors with tarps or newspaper where your starling will roam.
With time and patience, most starlings can be house trained or taught to go in a cage on command. Supervise them out of the cage until they learn.
Starling Intelligence
Starlings are considered one of the most intelligent bird species. Their brains have more neurons relative to body size than many mammals, even primates!
Starlings excel at:
- Problem solving puzzles and locks
- Memorizing complex routines
- Basic counting
- Recognizing themselves in mirrors (self awareness)
Work your starling’s mental muscles with foraging toys, training games, and new challenges. A bored starling will act out with noisy or destructive behavior.
Starling Training
All starlings should be clicker trained for mental stimulation and bonding. Clickers mark desired behaviors precisely so you can reward them. Target sticks also teach starlings to touch objects on cue.
Here are some behaviors to practice daily:
- Target touching
- Turning in a circle on cue
- Coming when called
- Mimicking sounds
- Flapping wings on cue
- Bowing or spinning
- Recalls to the cage
Use small, healthy treats for rewards like chopped fruit, veggies, or mealworms. Avoid excessive sunflower seeds which are high in fat.
With time, starlings learn impressive stunts like fetching objects, ringing bells, playing basketball, and more. Search online for starling trick videos!
Starling Speech and Talking Ability
Starlings are renowned vocal mimics and some individuals can imitate human speech remarkably well. However, their anatomy limits how clearly they form words compared to parrots.
Starlings have a syrinx vocal organ like parrots, allowing them to make two sounds at once. They incorporate noises from their environment into their own repertoire. Persistently repeat words and sounds around your starling if you want him or her to pick them up.
Male starlings typically talk better than females. But with patience, either sex can potentially learn to repeat phrases, whistles, songs, and other noises. Their strong social bond with an owner improves speech mimicry.
Don’t expect your starling to have an extensive vocabulary like a parrot. But many can master a dozen or more words and phrases with time and practice. ‘Pretty bird’, ‘hello’, and whistled tunes are commonly taught. Praise your starling generously when they mimic sounds to encourage them.
Starling Health and Common Issues
With proper care, European starlings live 10-15 years in captivity. Know these common health issues:
Obesity
Obesity is very common and dangerous for starlings. They love high fat foods like nuts and seeds. Limit them severely and focus the diet on healthier options like sprouts, veggies, pellets and insect protein.
Feather Damaging Behavior
Feather plucking is seen in bored, stressed starlings. It can stem from small cages, lack of enrichment, and not enough social bonding time. Minimize risk by providing an engaging environment.
Egg Binding
Egg binding can occur in mature female starlings, where an egg gets stuck inside. Supply a nest box lined with soft bedding to allow them to lay. Seek vet care if egg binding lasts over 12 hours.
Candidiasis
Candidiasis is a fungal infection that causes thick, white growths in the mouth and esophagus. It is transmitted through food and water and can be fatal. Improve hygiene to treat it. Consult an avian vet about antifungal medication.
Aspergillosis
Aspergillosis is an airborne fungal disease that causes respiratory illness. Quarantine new birds for a month before introducing them. Clean the cage frequently to reduce fungal spores. Seek vet care for treatment.
Preventive Vet Care
Find an experienced avian vet and take new starlings for a check up within two weeks of purchase. Annual exams help catch any issues early. Discuss nutrition, husbandry, and preventatives like vitamins.
Where to Adopt Rescue Starlings
Instead of buying from a breeder, consider adopting a starling in need from a rescue organization. Here are some options:
- Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue in California
- NYC Metro Bird Rescue in New York
- Carolina Waterfowl Rescue in North Carolina
- Wildlife Rescue League in Nebraska
- Florida Wildlife Hospital and Sanctuary
Call your local bird rescue groups as well, since starlings are common residents. Adopted adult starlings make very affectionate, if somewhat noisy, companions. The rescue can advise you on the bird’s background, personality, and care needs.
Pros and Cons of Keeping Starlings as Pets
Before committing to a starling, carefully consider both the positives and challenges:
Pros:
- Extremely intelligent and social
- Can learn tricks, speech, and routines
- Develop close bonds with owners
- Entertaining vocalizations and sound mimicry
- Lower cost than many parrot species
Cons:
- Need very large enclosure
- Require 2+ hours of daily interaction
- Messy with frequent droppings
- Loud vocalizations
- Need special softbill diet
- Males may be territorial in breeding condition
Starlings do better in experienced bird homes ready to devote lots of time to their enrichment and training. They are more high maintenance than the average pet bird. Make sure you can meet their complex needs before deciding to own one.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pet Starlings
Here are answers to some common questions about European starlings as pets:
Are pet starlings legal in Canada?
No, European starlings are a prohibited invasive species in Canada. Only zoos or education facilities can get permits to keep them.
What’s the lifespan of a starling?
Starlings can live 10-15 years with proper care, though closer to 15 is more common. The oldest known was nearly 26 years old.
How much does a European starling cost?
From reputable breeders, starling babies range from $50-$150 depending on rarity of color morphs. Adopted rescues are usually a donation fee of $50-100.
Are starlings loud pets?
Yes, starlings are very noisy birds. They vocalize frequently with whistles, chirps, squawks, and mimicked sounds. This is part of their natural behavior but can be annoying to some owners.
Why are starlings considered invasive?
Starlings are cavity-nesting birds that compete with many native species. They form massive flocks of thousands that damage crops and crowd out other birds. Starling numbers are now declining in parts of North America.
Can I let my pet starling outside?
No, it is illegal and unsafe to allow captive starlings outside unsupervised. They could escape or spread disease to native birds at feeders. Fully enclosed outdoor aviaries are permitted.
How do I introduce starlings safely?
House new starlings separately for a one month quarantine, then put cages side by side. Swap items between cages so they grow used to each other’s scent. After a week, observe them closely as you let them interact.
Is it better to get one starling or two?
Two young starlings bonded as chicks make ideal pets. Starlings are incredibly social so a lone bird may become neurotic and unhappy. Introduce adults slowly and be prepared to separate if they fight.
Conclusion
European starlings can make fascinating avian companions when given proper care, time, training, and enrichment. Their intelligence rivals parrots, while their vocal mimicry skills are unparalleled. While starlings have complex needs, they will reward an invested owner with affection and entertainment for years to come. Be sure to research them thoroughly and check local laws before bringing one of these challenging birds home. If you’re ready to take on an unconventional pet, a pet starling may just make your life a bit more musical.