The European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is a highly successful and common bird often seen in backyards across North America. Originally introduced from Europe, this species is known for its glossy, iridescent plumage and its opportunistic, omnivorous feeding habits. Starlings are highly adaptable and thrive in human-altered environments, frequently visiting bird feeding stations. Their presence at feeders is often a topic of discussion among bird enthusiasts due to their tendency to feed aggressively in large flocks.
Starling Preference for Peanuts
Starlings readily consume peanuts and peanut products whenever they are available in a feeder. As generalist foragers, they are attracted to the high caloric density of peanuts, which provides a significant energy boost. They exhibit a distinct preference for shelled, crushed, or chopped peanuts over whole nuts, as their beaks are not well-suited for cracking hard shells.
These birds are adept at consuming soft, high-fat items like peanut suet or peanut butter mixes. Starlings often employ a characteristic feeding method called “gaping,” where they insert their closed beak into a food source and then force it open to create a cavity and access the food. When feeding on peanuts, they tend to arrive in large, competitive groups, quickly gulping down as much food as possible. This rapid, aggressive consumption can quickly deplete a feeder of its contents.
Peanuts in a Starling’s Overall Diet
Peanuts offer starlings a substantial source of nutrition, particularly during colder months or periods of high energy demand. They are packed with fat (around 45% of the legume’s composition) and contain significant protein (typically around 24% by weight). This profile provides the necessary fuel and building blocks for feather growth and general maintenance. However, this high-fat content contrasts sharply with the starling’s natural diet, which primarily consists of invertebrates like insects and grubs during the breeding season.
In fall and winter, their natural diet shifts to include fruits, seeds, and grains. A diet dominated by peanuts, while energy-rich, can lead to nutritional imbalances if it displaces other necessary food items. A more concerning risk associated with feeding peanuts is the potential for contamination by Aspergillus mold. This mold produces aflatoxins, potent liver toxins to which birds are highly susceptible.
To mitigate the risk of aflatoxin exposure, only high-quality peanuts specifically labeled and tested for bird feeding should be offered, and they must be stored in cool, dry conditions. Whole peanuts also present a potential physical hazard to smaller birds and fledglings, increasing the risk of choking. Therefore, if peanuts are offered, it is recommended to use split, crushed, or finely chopped pieces to reduce this danger.
Strategies for Selective Bird Feeding
Bird enthusiasts who wish to limit starling consumption of peanuts can implement several practical strategies focusing on feeder design and food selection.
Feeder Design Strategies
Using specialized feeders that physically restrict access is an effective method.
- Weight-activated feeders close the feeding ports when a bird heavier than a starling lands on the perch.
- Caged feeders feature a wire mesh surrounding the feeding tube, allowing smaller songbirds to enter while excluding larger starlings.
- Offering peanuts in an upside-down suet feeder can discourage starlings, as their feet are not structured for clinging upside-down for extended periods, unlike woodpeckers and chickadees.
Food Selection Strategies
Changing the type of food offered can also be a successful deterrent. Starlings generally do not favor hard-shelled seeds like safflower or Nyjer seed, which are readily consumed by many desirable species such as finches and cardinals. By switching the food menu to these less appealing options, birders can selectively reduce starling presence. Maintaining a clean area beneath the feeder is also important, as starlings are attracted to and will quickly consume spilled food on the ground.