Starlings in Germany
When the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is present in Germany, when it nests, and which native Germany plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Germany
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- April–June
- Size
- 21 cm, 78 g
- Nest box
- 45 mm hole, 3 m+ up
When to expect starlings in Germany
The Starling lives in Germany all year round. Colder in the east and south; feeders are widely used and garden-bird counts are a national tradition.
Temperate, becoming more continental towards the east and south, with Alpine climate in Bavaria.
Nesting in Germany
In Germany the Starling usually nests April–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 Germany plants for starlings
Of the native plants we track for Germany, 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.
Evergreen roosting cover and winter berries on female plants.
Late-winter berries when little else is left, plus dense nesting cover.
Late-summer berries taken by Blackcaps and thrushes.
Thorny cover that protects nests; early blossom for insects.
Hips persist into winter for thrushes and finches.
Translucent red berries in autumn.
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 Germany all year?
Yes — the Starling is resident in Germany all year.
When do starlings nest in Germany?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 1–2 per year.
Which native plants help starlings in Germany?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Germany 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 Germany
Sources
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.