Star

starling (GB)

sansonnet (F)

storno (I)

spreeuw (N)

estorninho-comum (PO)

estornio (ES)

The bird (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of the most common in the world. It has a body length of 19 to 22 centimetres, a short tail and a long, sharp beak. The body feathers are blackish with a metallic green or purple sheen with white to beige tips. This gives the body a brightly dotted appearance. The starling lives on insects and worms, which is why it is one of the beneficial insects in viticulture in spring and summer, but also on fruits, seeds and seedlings. At the time of grape ripening, it is one of the most dangerous damaging birds in viticulture, because (in contrast to thrushes) it can appear in huge flocks, which can cause considerable crop loss or damage from game.

In autumn, the starlings gather to fly south and infest the vineyards, which in extreme cases can be eaten empty within a short time. Chemical control or killing of the animals is prohibited. For this reason, nets stretched over the vines, scare bands that rotate and reflect in the wind, scarecrows, light pyramids, flying kites, as well as acoustic devices such as scare guns or CDs with, for example, death cries of birds are used. Guardians patrolling the vineyards are effective, but require a lot of manpower. Starfighters" (aircraft) are also used. See a complete listing of all vine pests and diseases under Vine Enemies.

Image left: by Nosacz Nosaczowski on Pixabay.
Image on the right: by Сергей Шабанов on Pixabay.

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