European Starlings in New Mexico
When Europeans are present in New Mexico, when they nest, which native New Mexico plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 4b–9a yard.
- Status in New Mexico
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- April–June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 4b–9a
When to expect Europeans in New Mexico
European Starlings live in New Mexico all year. Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward fruit, grain and suet.
Arid to semi-arid, with Chihuahuan desert in the south and mountain forest above 7,000 ft.
Nesting in New Mexico
Across New Mexico, Europeans typically nest from April–June. Nest site: cavities of any kind. Females lay 4–6 eggs, incubate for 12 days, and young leave the nest after 21–23 days.
Hot, dry early summer followed by the July–August monsoon.
- European Starlings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, black cherry, american elderberry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native New Mexico plants that attract Europeans
Of the regional native plants we track for New Mexico, these 8 provide food or cover Europeans use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Summer fruit and one of the top caterpillar host trees.
Late-summer berry clusters taken by over 40 bird species.
Blue fruit on red stems in early fall.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Feeding Europeans through the New Mexico year
Non-native; starlings take over woodpecker and bluebird cavities. Upside-down suet feeders deter them.
- Best foods: Suet, Cracked corn.
- In New Mexico's winter: Cold nights and sunny days; many desert and mountain birds move to lower elevations.
Full diet breakdown for Europeans · Best feeder for Europeans
Frequently asked
Are Europeans in New Mexico year-round?
Yes. European Starlings are year-round residents in New Mexico.
When do Europeans nest in New Mexico?
Nesting in New Mexico typically runs April–June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12 days.
What native plants attract Europeans in New Mexico?
Smooth sumac, Black cherry, American elderberry, Virginia creeper, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Rocky Mountain juniper are native plants in New Mexico that provide food or cover for Europeans.
European Starlings in other regions
Other backyard birds in New Mexico
Sources
- European Starling — All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- European Starling life history — Cornell Lab of Ornithology
- European Starling — Audubon Guide to North American Birds
- eBird region overview and bar charts — New Mexico
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023)
- Audubon Native Plants Database
Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.