Starling murmurations: how to enjoy winter’s best spectacle!

One of nature’s highlights throughout the colder months are the incredible aerial displays performed by one of our most charismatic species – Starling murmurations.  

While many of us might want to stay warm at home, these mesmerising spectacles are not to be missed and can be seen filling the skies as hundreds, and sometimes even thousands, of Starlings flock together in a performance that will leave you in awe.  

A murmuration is the collective noun for a group of Starlings. Murmurations can form enormous cloud-like shapes as Starlings swoop and dive in clever patterns, avoiding any collisions in a way that once led scientists to believe Starlings must have psychic powers.  

Starlings are resident in the UK all year round, but we see increased numbers from November to February when many migrate here from Scandinavia. The birds flock together and some murmurations can reach tens of thousands of individuals – the mass of flying birds move in amazing synchrony in what can only be described as a choreographed dance!  

Murmuration displays often occur at dusk, just before the birds all roost overnight which provides them with safety in numbers, warmth and the opportunity to share information about the best feeding grounds. Since so many birds arrive in the same place at once, they can be vulnerable to predators. By flying together in the sky, creating a moving mass of birds, the Starlings can confuse potential predatory species and make it harder for them to pick off individual birds.  

We start seeing murmurations from November as the birds gather at suitable roosting sites. These can last all the way through to February before the migrant Starlings go back to Scandinavia and our resident birds disperse to breed.  

To enjoy a murmuration, it’s best to check in advance before heading out – social media and websites such as www.starlingsintheuk.co.uk offer excellent updates on the latest sightings, including RPSB nature reserves, such as RSPB Leighton Moss, and at urban locations including Brighton Pier and Blackpool.  

While murmurations are formed by impressive numbers of Starlings, this species is Red-listed in the UK as a bird of high conservation concern due to their declining numbers. Since 1995, Starling populations have plummeted by 54% in the UK. 

Starlings are regular garden visitors though, so there are ways you can help your local birds:  

• Keep a natural grass lawn so Starlings can forage for invertebrates in the soil. Starlings need short grass to keep watch for predators whilst feeding, so mow the lawn now and again.  
• Put up a nest box in a suitable position, following the RSPB’s easy guidance. Be sure to choose a box with a 45mm entrance hole as this is the ideal size for these birds.  
• Provide fresh clean water in a shallow dish throughout the year as natural water sources can be harder to find during hot weather and harsh freezes.