European Starling in September
Where Europeans are in September, whether they are nesting, and the best foods to offer right now.
September in the European Starling's year
September is the peak of fall migration. Huge numbers of birds move south on cold fronts, mixed flocks form, and summer residents slip away almost unnoticed. Young birds making their first migration appear in places the species rarely visits.
For the European Starling specifically, September is a fall month of relative routine, with the species settled into its seasonal pattern across its range. Across the 58 states and provinces where Europeans occur, what the bird is doing this month depends heavily on latitude — the details below break it down by band.
Where Europeans are in September
- Southern states
- absent
- Mid-latitudes
- year-round resident
- Northern states & Canada
- absent
In September, Europeans are absent in the South, year-round resident across the mid-latitudes, and absent in the northern states and Canada. That north–south split is the defining feature of this month: where you live changes which version of this bird you're looking at.
Nesting in September
Europeans are not nesting in September. The season runs April–June at mid-latitudes.
Outside the nesting season, Europeans put their energy into feeding and flocking rather than territory and young — which is exactly what makes them easier to watch and attract this month.
What to feed in September
- Grubs and beetle larvae
Non-native; starlings take over woodpecker and bluebird cavities. Upside-down suet feeders deter them.
Migrants passing through may stop at feeders for a day and never return — September rewards watching closely. Natural seed and fruit crops are abundant, so feeder traffic can be uneven.
Full European Starling diet guide → · Best feeder for Europeans →
Watching Europeans this month
Europeans are settled and predictable in September, which makes this a good month to learn the bird's routine — same feeders, same perches, same times of day.
The state guides below show exactly where in your region Europeans are expected this month and which native plants hold them in a yard.
European Starling month by month
European Starling by state
Frequently asked
Where are Europeans in September?
In September, Europeans are absent in the South, year-round resident across mid-latitudes and absent in the North.
Do Europeans nest in September?
No — Europeans typically nest April through June at mid-latitudes.
What do Europeans eat in September?
Grubs and beetle larvae.
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
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.