Starlings in Scotland
When the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is present in Scotland, when it nests, and which native Scotland plants supply the food it depends on.
- Status in Scotland
- Resident all year
- Nesting season
- May–June
- Size
- 21 cm, 78 g
- Nest box
- 45 mm hole, 3 m+ up
- Delivery
- Perch Supply ships to the UK
When to expect starlings in Scotland
The Starling lives in Scotland all year round. Short days and regular snow inland; Scandinavian Bramblings, Fieldfares and Waxwings often arrive in numbers.
Cool maritime in the west, more continental and drier in the east; the Highlands are markedly colder.
Nesting in Scotland
In Scotland 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 Scotland plants for starlings
Of the native plants we track for Scotland, 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 Scotland all year?
Yes — the Starling is resident in Scotland all year.
When do starlings nest in Scotland?
Typically May–June. Clutches are 4–5 eggs, incubated for 12 days, with 1–2 per year.
Which native plants help starlings in Scotland?
Hawthorn, Rowan, Holly, Ivy, Elder, Blackthorn, Dog rose, Guelder rose are native to Scotland 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 Scotland
Sources
- Starling — RSPB bird guide
- Starling — BTO BirdFacts
- Bird Atlas 2007–11 — British Trust for Ornithology
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.