Starlings are a common bird that can be found across much of North America. While they are a familiar sight at backyard bird feeders, starlings are aggressive birds that often bully other species away from feeders. For this reason, many bird enthusiasts prefer using bird feeders that starlings cannot access or have difficulty using. Understanding which feeders starlings tend to avoid can help create a backyard habitat that attracts a diversity of bird species.
Why Deter Starlings?
Starlings are an invasive species in North America, introduced from Europe in the late 1800s. Since then, their populations have exploded, displacing many native bird species. Starlings compete aggressively for food and nesting sites and can spread diseases to other birds at feeders. Their large flocks and noisy behavior also make them unwelcome guests for many backyard bird enthusiasts.
While it may seem harsh to deter starlings specifically, reducing their access to bird feeders helps create an equitable environment for other species that may be edged out by these assertive birds. Focusing on feeders that starlings tend to avoid enables you to welcome smaller, less aggressive birds that add diversity and color to your yard.
Bird Feeder Traits that Deter Starlings
Certain traits make some bird feeders difficult or impossible for starlings to use. In particular, starlings have trouble accessing feeders that have the following qualities:
- Small perches
- Narrow feeding ports
- Deep feeding ports
- Caged/covered feeding areas
- Feeders that require clinging or acrobatics
- Spinning or moving feeders
- Feeders with weight-sensitive perches
The large size and chunky build of starlings compared to many garden birds makes it hard for them to balance on narrow perches or stick their heads into small openings. Starlings also lack the clinging skills needed for some acrobatic feeders. Feeders with these traits allow smaller-bodied birds like chickadees, finches, and sparrows to access food while excluding bulky starlings.
Best Bird Feeders to Exclude Starlings
Many common bird feeder styles make it difficult or impossible for starlings to reach the seed. Here are some of the best options to deter starlings from your yard:
Tube Feeders
Tube feeders are cylindrical transparent containers with built-in perches and small ports where birds can access the seeds. Models with short perches and 1-1.25 inch diameter ports work well for deterring starlings. Quality tube feeders will also have wire surrounds to prevent larger birds from clinging onto the feeder to steal seeds. Popular styles include:
- Droll Yankees Bird Feeder – 1.25 inch ports
- Aspects 390 Seed Tube Bird Feeder – 1 inch ports
- Perky Pet Antique Bottle Bird Feeder – 1 inch ports
- Woodlink Going Green Mini Tube Bird Feeder – 1.1875 inch ports
Nyjer Feeders
Nyjer feeders dispense tiny thistle seeds that are favorites of finches and other small birds. Their tiny ports prevent access by starlings. Models like the Songbird Essentials Nyjer Thistle Tube Feeder have ports sized for finches. Avoid nyjer feeders with larger ports that starlings can access.
Suet Feeders
Suet feeders offering high-fat suet cakes or nuggets attract insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees. Avoid suet feeders with large wire cages, as starlings can cling to these and access the suet. Models with enclosed wire baskets just large enough for smaller birds to enter work best. The Birds Choice Caged Suet Feeder is a good starling-deterring option.
Mesh Feeders
Lightweight mesh bag feeders require birds to cling onto the mesh openings to reach the seeds inside. Starlings lack the grasping ability to hold onto the tiny holes. Finches and other small birds excel at clinging, however. Try the Songbird Essentials EcoStrong Mesh Bird Feeder, which has extra-small mesh sized for deterring starlings.
Platform Feeders
Platform feeders are flat trays that scattered seed across a surface. Opt for sizes with very short perches that make it hard for starlings to balance. Models like the Squirrel Buster Standard Squirrel-proof Bird Feeder have 2.4 inch short perches well-suited for deterring starlings.
Feeders to Avoid
Some common feeder styles are prone to domination by starlings. Avoid the following types if deterring starlings:
- Hopper or house feeders – Large platforms easily accessed by starlings
- Single-ported feeders – Wide feeding ports starlings can fit their beaks into
- Tray feeders – Open design starlings can easily perch on
- Ground platform feeders – Allows starlings to feed from ground
Use Location to Your Advantage
Proper placement deters starlings as much as the feeder design itself. Hang feeders in open areas far away from trees, fences, and other potential perches. Starlings prefer to perch first and scan for threats before approaching a feeder. Deny them this opportunity by putting feeders in exposed spots.
Placing feeders near windows also discourages starlings, as they tend to avoid feeding in close proximity to houses. Positioning feeders within 3 feet of windows helps minimize starling activity.
Choose the Right Food
Offer seeds that starlings do not prefer, while still attracting other species. Black oil sunflower appeals to chickadees, titmice, finches and other small birds. Safflower seeds also deter starlings. Avoid cheaper mixes, which starlings flock to. Also skip cheaper suet formulas, as starlings relish these.
Nyjer thistle seed attracts finches while deterring starlings. Hulled sunflower hearts also draw in chickadees while discouraging starlings.Offering a variety of preferred seeds for other species makes your yard more attractive to many birds besides starlings.
Use Deterrents
Various deterrents make starlings uncomfortable, encouraging them to eat elsewhere. Install monofilament wire just above feeder ports and perches. The thin line is hard for birds to see but deters starlings from landing. Slick metal poles also prevent starlings from getting footing to access feeders.
Strategically placing rubber snakes, fake owls or flashing pie pans can startle starlings away from feeders. Just be sure deterrents do not scare away desirable birds as well. Avoid deterrents during nesting season, as parent birds can abandon nests.
Be Patient
It can take days or weeks for starlings to get the message that your yard no longer welcomes them. Use deterrents consistently and avoid very large feeders that attract them. Over time, starlings will seek easier feeding opportunities elsewhere. Meanwhile, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and other small birds will discover your yard and become regular visitors.
Avoid Starling Exclusion in Spring and Summer
While excluding starlings from feeders is beneficial in fall and winter, it’s best to hold off during spring and summer. Starlings feed their young insects rather than birdseed. Deterring them from feeders in spring risks starving nestlings. Wait until late summer or fall to initiate starling-deterring methods.
Provide Water
Avoid denying starlings access to fresh water, as they need it year round. Invest in a fountain design that deters them from bathing without preventing them from drinking. Options like the Allied Precision Thirsty Bird Fountain have layered tiers that make it hard for starlings to soak their feathers.
Get Creative with Feeder Placement
Sometimes it takes some creative thinking to outsmart starlings. If they take over platform feeders, try mounting tube feeders on a wall or post sideways. The awkward position makes balancing tricky for starlings. Hanging feeders from clotheslines or tree swings also thwarts them.
Clean Feeders Regularly
Keep feeders disinfected to prevent disease transmission between starlings and other birds. Every few weeks, take feeders down and clean thoroughly with a 10% bleach solution. Rinse and let dry before refilling with fresh seed. Rotate different feeders to allow each to be deep cleaned.
Supplement Feeders with Natural Food Sources
While feeders provide essential energy in winter, also make sure your yard offers natural food sources. Native plants provide seeds, berries, and nectar that attract birds. Evergreen and deciduous trees give birds fruits and places to hide. A diverse habitat supports healthy wildlife.
Consult an Expert
For help customizing your yard’s bird feeding station in a starling-proof way, consult a bird feeding expert. Many independent backyard bird and nature shops offer this service. They can assess your space and suggest tailored solutions for excluding starlings humanely while attracting other desirable species. Investing in expert advice helps create an ecologically-balanced backyard oasis.
Be Accepting of Some Starling Activity
Even well-planned efforts may not completely eliminate starlings from your feeders, especially during winter when food is scarce. Be prepared for some persistence from these clever birds. Maintain deterrents consistently and avoid large open feeders to minimize their numbers. A few stubborn starlings can be accepted if your overall goal is met of attracting a diverse bird community.
Conclusion
Starlings are masters at dominating bird feeders, to the detriment of other species. But feeders come in many shapes and styles that allow smaller, less aggressive birds access while deterring bulky starlings. Tube feeders, nyjer feeders, suet feeders, mesh feeders and platform feeders with short perches all make it difficult for starlings to perch and feed. Proper placement in open areas far from perches also discourages them.
Avoid large open feeder designs, cheap seed mixes, and low-quality suet that attracts starlings. Use deterrents like monofilament wire consistently to emphasize they are not welcome. Be patient, as it can take days or weeks for starlings to get the hint. Avoid total exclusion in spring and summer when starlings are feeding nestlings. With strategic methods, you can craft a backyard habitat that welcomes chickadees, nuthatches, finches and other desirable birds while minimizing starling presence.