Starlings in Finland
When the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is present in Finland, when it nests, and which native Finland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Finland
- Summer visitor
- Nesting season
- May–June
- Size
- 21 cm, 78 g
- Nest box
- 45 mm hole, 3 m+ up
When to expect starlings in Finland
The Starling arrives in Finland in spring to breed and leaves again in autumn. Brief, bright summers; nesting is compressed into May–July.
Boreal continental, forested and lake-strewn.
Nesting in Finland
In Finland the Starling usually nests May–June. Nest site: cavities in roofs and trees; boxes. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days; chicks fledge after 21 days, and pairs raise 1–2 per year.
- Nest box: 45 mm hole, 3 m+ up. Put boxes up by February and clean them out between September and January.
- Avoid cutting hedges during the nesting season (roughly March to August) — in the UK, disturbing an active nest is an offence under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Native Finland plants for starlings
Of the native plants we track for Finland, these 8 provide food the Starling uses:
Haws feed thrushes all winter; spring blossom supports hundreds of insect species.
Orange-red berries are a magnet for Blackbirds, thrushes and Waxwings from August.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
Blackberries and impenetrable nesting cover.
Catkin seed for Siskins and Redpolls; many caterpillars for tit broods.
Cones hold seed that Siskins and Goldfinches feed on all winter.
Feeding in the garden
Leatherjackets and other soil insects; fruit.
- Best foods: Suet, Mealworms.
- Feeders: Suet cage, Ground tray.
- UK Starlings have declined by two-thirds since 1970; they are now a Red-listed species.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Are starlings in Finland all year?
No. The Starling is a summer visitor to Finland, arriving to breed and leaving in autumn.
When do starlings nest in Finland?
Typically May–June. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 1–2 per year.
Which native plants help starlings in Finland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose, Bramble, Silver birch, Alder are native to Finland and provide food or cover the Starling uses.
What nest box does the Starling use?
45 mm hole, 3 m+ up.
Starlings in other countries
Other garden birds in Finland
Sources
- Starling — RSPB bird guide
- Starling — BTO BirdFacts
- Finnish Bird Atlas — Finnish Museum of Natural History
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.