Starlings in Ireland
When the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is present in Ireland, when it nests, and which native Ireland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Ireland
- 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 Ireland
The Starling lives in Ireland all year round. Mild winters with little snow; Redwings and Fieldfares feed in hedges and fields.
Oceanic climate — mild, humid and consistently wet, especially in the west.
Nesting in Ireland
In Ireland 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 Ireland plants for starlings
Of the native plants we track for Ireland, 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 Ireland all year?
Yes — the Starling is resident in Ireland all year.
When do starlings nest in Ireland?
Typically April–June. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 1–2 per year.
Which native plants help starlings in Ireland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Ireland 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 Ireland
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.