Starling (Sternus vulgaris)

The Starling was introduced to New Zealand between the 1860’s and 80’s. It was brought in for practical reasons rather than sentimental reasons, as it was judged to be a bird well-suited to a drastically changed New Zealand environment. With the arrival of Europeans, much of the previous native forest was clear-felled to make way for pasture and cropping land, which was then hard hit with plagues of insects. The only way to deal with this problem was thought to be to introduce species that would help eradicate this plague.

This species of Starling was originally native to most parts of temperate Europe and south-western Asia, and was also introduced to Australia and Fiji for similar reasons, where it has also successfully established itself. As a result of the introduction to this part of the world, it has also been able to migrate to Thailand, Southeast Asia, and New Guinea. In fact, the Starling’s ability to adapt to a large variety of habitats has allowed a greater dispersal and meant they have become established all around the world.

Here in New Zealand they range from coastal wetlands to alpine forest habitat, and are widespread and common.