Starlings are small birds that can become a nuisance when they flock together in large numbers. To control starling populations, some people use starling traps to humanely catch and remove the birds. If you want to build or buy a starling trap, it’s important to understand the proper dimensions so the trap will be effective.
What is a starling trap?
A starling trap is a specialized bird cage designed to attract and trap European starlings. The traps have funnel-shaped entrances that allow the birds to enter but not exit. Once inside, the starlings are trapped until the trap is emptied. Traps are usually wooden or wire mesh boxes with perches inside. They should be regularly checked and emptied so the birds don’t overcrowd and starve.
Why are the dimensions important?
The exact dimensions of a starling trap are important for several reasons:
- The opening size affects which birds can enter. The entrance holes need to be large enough for starlings but too small for larger native birds that shouldn’t be caught.
- The interior size and shape impact how many starlings can fit inside. An overcrowded trap causes stress and mortality.
- Perch positioning and quantity help attract starlings to the trap.
- The overall size of the trap determines how many birds it can hold before needing to be emptied.
Following proven blueprints with the right proportions is crucial for an effective, humane starling trap.
Standard starling trap entrance hole size
The entrance holes are one of the most important dimensions for a starling trap. The holes must be large enough so starlings can get inside, but small enough to exclude larger birds.
The accepted standard size for starling trap entrance holes is 1-3/4 inches in diameter. This allows starlings to pass through, while excluding larger species like robins, cardinals, and native birds that shouldn’t be caught.
Some traps have rectangular entrance slots instead of round holes. These openings should be about 1-1/2 inches high by 2-3/4 inches wide.
Overall starling trap size
When it comes to the overall size of the trap, bigger is generally better. The larger the interior space, the more starlings it can hold before needing to be emptied. Traps that are too small may need daily emptying, which is inconvenient and disruptive to the birds.
Most starling traps are between 2 to 6 cubic feet in volume. Common dimensions are:
- 2 feet high x 2 feet wide x 2 feet deep
- 3 feet high x 2 feet wide x 2 feet deep
- 2 feet high x 3 feet wide x 2 feet deep
Traps on the bigger end of this range can hold 50-100 starlings, while smaller traps max out at around 25-50 birds. If dealing with large starling flocks, bigger traps are preferable.
Placement of perches and baffles
Perches are slim wooden rods or metal strips installed in the trap that the birds can sit on. Having multiple horizontal perches helps attract starlings inside.
The perches should be spaced about 4-6 inches apart vertically in a staggered, zigzag pattern. They should cover all sides of the interior except for the entrance area.
Vertical baffles can also be added. These are panels or dividers that guide the birds through the trap. Adding perches and baffles creates a maze-like pathway that entices starlings deeper into the trap before they realize they are stuck.
Funnel entrance design
The entrance of a starling trap should form a funnel shape to make it easy for birds to enter but hard to exit.
A typical design involves:
- Two 1-3/4 inch diameter holes on the front of the trap
- A small 4-8 inch compartment inside the entrance
- Another set of 1-3/4 inch holes leading from the compartment into the main interior
This creates an S-shaped path that draws starlings through the front holes into the small compartment, then through the interior holes into the trap body. angled baffles help guide them through the turns. The indirect route makes it difficult to find the exit.
Material for construction
Starling traps can be built out of wood, wire mesh, or other materials.
Wood traps are durable and weatherproof. 3/4 inch exterior plywood is recommended for the walls and roof. 1/2 inch wooden dowel rods work well for internal perches.
Wire mesh traps made from 1/2 inch hardware cloth are lighter and more portable. But they must be kept covered and out of the rain.
Plastic and PVC traps are also available but not as durable long term. Metal traps like galvanized steel last the longest but are heavy.
Avoid treated wood, painted surfaces, or toxic metals as starlings may peck and ingest flaking hazardous material. Untreated, weatherproof wood is best.
Typical starling trap blueprints
Here are some example dimensions for common starling trap designs:
Simple plywood starling trap
Height: | 24 inches |
Width: | 24 inches |
Depth: | 12 inches |
Entrance holes: | Two 1 3/4 inch diameter |
Material: | 3/4 inch plywood |
This basic square trap has two side-by-side entrance holes on the 24 inch wide side. The total volume is about 3 cubic feet.
Large capacity plywood trap
Height: | 36 inches |
Width: | 24 inches |
Depth: | 24 inches |
Entrance holes: | Two 1 3/4 inch diameter |
Material: | 3/4 inch plywood |
This larger trap is 3 feet tall by 2 feet wide and deep, for a 6 cubic foot capacity.
Folding wire mesh trap
Height: | 24 inches |
Width: | 18 inches |
Depth: | 18 inches |
Entrance holes: | 1 1/2 by 2 3/4 inch slot |
Material: | 1/2 inch hardware cloth |
This wire trap has a hinged roof panel that folds for transport and storage. The total volume is just under 3 cubic feet.
Tips for trap placement
Proper placement is important for a trap to be effective. Follow these tips:
- Set traps where starlings are known to gather and land, like on rooftops or fences
- Place near trees or wires where birds perch and survey the area
- Elevate on a roof, platform, or pole about 8-12 feet off the ground
- Ensure easy entrance access – birds won’t enter if obstacles block the holes
- Partially cover the trap so birds feel concealed and secure inside
- Use decoys like fake birds or recordings of starling calls to attract them
- Move traps occasionally if a location becomes unproductive
With proper placement and dimensions, starling traps can be an effective technique for controlling nuisance bird populations humanely. But be sure to check and empty the traps frequently to avoid overcrowding inside. Releasing the starlings at least 10 miles away will prevent them from returning.
Conclusion
The exact dimensions of a starling trap affect its effectiveness and capacity. Follow proven designs with 1-3/4 inch diameter entrance holes and an overall size of 2 to 6 cubic feet. Position traps 8-12 feet up where starlings congregate, and partially cover them for security. Check and empty traps daily, and move to new locations if needed. Following these guidelines will lead to success trapping nuisance starlings humanely.