Rock Pigeons in Hawaii

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Did you know that Rock Pigeons in Hawaii are the most commonly seen and most beautiful birds. They are easily recognized by their sleek Gray feathers and shiny necks. They are also locally known as Hawaiian pigeons. These doves pigeons have adapted remarkably well to both urban areas and natural habitats. They have become accustomed to living with humans almost everywhere, from the streets and roads of Honolulu city in Hawaii to the coastal cliffs. The rock pigeon is part of the Columba livia genus, which includes both wild rock doves and domestic pigeons. Their striking beauty, intelligence, and gentle nature endear them to humans. These Hawaiian pigeons are highly social, often living in groups and eating together. They often eat grains, seeds, and scraps of food left by humans. Their strong instincts, inherited from their wild ancestors, allow them to survive in the harshest environments. These pigeons often nest on rocks, in addition to building under buildings and bridges in citie...
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Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) – Britain’s Noisy and Iridescent Garden Bird

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Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) – Britain’s Noisy and Iridescent Garden Bird

The European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is one of the most familiar yet often overlooked birds in the British Isles. Smaller than blackbirds, starlings are instantly recognisable thanks to their short tails, pointed heads, triangular wings, and a lively, noisy presence in gardens, fields, and town centres. Once incredibly common, the species has been in sharp decline since the 1960s and is now on the UK Red List of birds of conservation concern.



Identification and Plumage

At a glance, a starling may appear plain black. But in the right light, their iridescent feathers shimmer with glossy purple and green hues, making them one of the most colourful garden birds in the UK.


  1. Breeding plumage: At a distance, starlings look black, but close inspection reveals the metallic sheen. Males and females are very similar, with only subtle iris differences.

  2. Winter plumage: After the autumn moult, they show white flecked feathers, giving them a speckled or spotted appearance. Their bills also darken in winter.

  3. Size: Around 22 cm long, weighing 75–90 g—compact but sturdy.


This seasonal transformation, from shimmering breeding birds to silver-spotted winter flocks, is part of their enduring charm.



Flight Pattern

Starling flight is fast and direct, powered by pointed triangular wings. When seen in large groups, their movement becomes even more impressive. At dusk, winter starling flocks gather in vast numbers, forming swirling, synchronised shapes in the sky. These starling murmurations—a prime example of flock behaviour in birds—are not only beautiful but also a defensive strategy against predators.


Behaviour on the Ground

On the ground, starlings are energetic foragers. They walk with a waddling strut, probing lawns and fields for soil invertebrates like beetles and worms. At garden feeders, they are known for their squabbling behaviour, often arriving in noisy groups that clear food within minutes. Their social behaviour is key to their survival; rarely is a starling seen alone.


Song and Mimicry

Starlings are among the noisiest and most entertaining garden birds. Their calls include harsh “tcheer” notes, but it is their song mimicry that truly fascinates. A single bird can produce an astonishing variety of sounds—whistles, clicks, cheeps, burrs—and even copy other birds and man-made noises. This remarkable bird mimicry has long made starlings a delight for birdwatchers and casual listeners alike.



Nesting and Breeding

Starlings are adaptable nesters, building untidy collections of straw, grass, and feathers in:


  1. Tree holes

  2. Buildings and rooftops

  3. Cliffs and nest boxes


During the breeding season, their glossy breeding plumage and lively displays help attract mates. Both parents contribute to raising the chicks, feeding them on a rich diet of insects.



Conservation Status

Despite their abundance in many towns and cities, starling populations in the UK have declined dramatically since the 1960s. Changes in farming practices, reduced insect numbers, and loss of nesting sites have all contributed to the downturn.

Today, starlings are officially listed as a Red List species, highlighting the urgency of their conservation. Supporting them can be as simple as:


  1. Providing suet, fat balls, and mealworms in winter.

  2. Leaving areas of lawn for insects.

  3. Installing nest boxes on houses or trees.


Protecting starlings also supports wider biodiversity in the British Isles.



Quick Identification

  1. Smaller than blackbirds
  2. Short tail, pointed head, triangular wings
  3. Glossy sheen with purple and green feathers in summer
  4. Brown with white spots in winter
  5. Fast, direct flight pattern
  6. Loud, social, and highly mimetic


FAQs About Starlings

Q1: Why do starlings form murmurations?
Murmurations confuse predators and help keep the flock safe, while also allowing birds to share information about good roosting and feeding sites.


Q2: Are starlings good for gardens?
Yes. They eat many garden pests like beetle larvae, though they can sometimes overwhelm feeders due to their social feeding habits.


Q3: Why are starlings declining in the UK?
Habitat loss, fewer soil invertebrates, and changes in agriculture are major reasons for the decline.


Q4: Do starlings really mimic other sounds?
Absolutely. They can imitate other bird species, as well as mechanical noises such as ringtones, car alarms, and whistles.


Location: United Kingdom

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