Starling murmurations are one of nature's most spectacular shows. The RSPB shares tips on how to see them – and how to help this threatened species

Murmurations

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 – sometimes even thousands – of starlings flock together in a performance that will leave you in awe.

Murmuration displays often occur at dusk, just before the birds roost overnight. Roosting provides them with safety in numbers, as well as 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.

When and where to see a winter murmuration

We start seeing murmurations from November onwards, 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 offer excellent updates on the latest sightings – including nature reserves, such as RSPB Leighton Moss, and urban locations including Brighton Pier (pictured above) and Blackpool.

A threatened species – how we can help Starlings?

Whilst murmurations are formed by impressive numbers of starlings, this species is a red list species under the Birds of Conservation Concern. This is due to their declining numbers, which have fallen by 54% since 1995.

Starlings are regular garden visitors though, so there are ways you can help your local birds. Keep a natural lawn so starlings can forage for invertebrates in the soil – starlings need short grass to keep watch for predators whilst feeding, so areas of mown lawn are helpful.

Put up a nest box in a suitable position following the RSPBs easy guidance, and choose a box with a 45mm entrance hole – this is the ideal size starlings.

Provide fresh clean water in a shallow dish throughout the year, as natural sources can be harder to find during hot weather and harsh freezes.

For more information on helping Starlings and any other wildlife in your garden, visit the RSPB website.

A murmuration is the collective noun for a group of starlings. Murmurations can form enormous cloud-like shapes as the birds 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 by  Pete Godfrey on Unsplash

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