European Starlings in Wyoming
When Europeans are present in Wyoming, when they nest, which native Wyoming plants feed them, and how to host them in a USDA 3a–5b yard.
- Status in Wyoming
- Year-round resident
- Nesting window
- May–June
- Broods
- 1–2 per season
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3a–5b
When to expect Europeans in Wyoming
European Starlings live in Wyoming all year. Cold, very windy winters. That makes the cold months the time your yard matters most to them: their winter diet shifts toward fruit, grain and suet.
Semi-arid high plains and basins with major mountain ranges; most towns lie above 5,000 ft.
Nesting in Wyoming
Across Wyoming, Europeans typically nest from May–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.
Short, warm summers with cool nights.
- European Starlings don't use nest boxes. Keep dense native shrubs and trees such as smooth sumac, bur oak, chokecherry for nest sites.
- Delay heavy pruning of shrubs until after June.
Native Wyoming plants that attract Europeans
Of the regional native plants we track for Wyoming, these 8 provide food or cover Europeans use:
Red fruit heads hang on through winter.
Drought-hardy prairie oak with large acorns and a heavy insect load.
Late nectar for insects and fall seed for sparrows.
Insect-rich in fall and seed in winter.
Dark summer fruit and heavy caterpillar load.
White fruit and red winter stems; good thicket cover.
Sweet dry fruit on the branch all winter.
Berry-like cones feed bluebirds, solitaires and waxwings in winter.
Feeding Europeans through the Wyoming year
Non-native; starlings take over woodpecker and bluebird cavities. Upside-down suet feeders deter them.
- Best foods: Suet, Cracked corn.
- In Wyoming's winter: Cold, very windy winters.
Full diet breakdown for Europeans · Best feeder for Europeans
Frequently asked
Are Europeans in Wyoming year-round?
Yes. European Starlings are year-round residents in Wyoming.
When do Europeans nest in Wyoming?
Nesting in Wyoming typically runs May–June, with 1–2 per season. Clutches are 4–6 eggs, incubated for 12 days.
What native plants attract Europeans in Wyoming?
Smooth sumac, Bur oak, New England aster, Tall goldenrod, Chokecherry, Red-osier dogwood, Common hackberry, Rocky Mountain juniper are native plants in Wyoming that provide food or cover for Europeans.
European Starlings in other regions
Other backyard birds in Wyoming
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 — Wyoming
- 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.