If you’ve ever wondered, how do I get rid of starlings at my bird feeders, you’re not alone. Thousands of backyard bird enthusiasts across North America face the same frustrating challenge: flocks of European starlings descending on feeders, consuming seed rapidly, and driving away the smaller, native songbirds you actually want to attract. These aggressive, noisy birds can transform a peaceful bird-watching experience into a daily battle for resources.
The good news is that controlling starling activity at your feeders doesn’t require harsh methods or expensive equipment. With the right combination of feeder design, food selection, and strategic placement, you can create an environment that welcomes chickadees, finches, and nuthatches whilst discouraging starlings. This comprehensive guide presents proven, humane solutions backed by ornithological research and practical field experience.
Key Takeaways
- Feeder design matters: Cage feeders, weight-sensitive mechanisms, and upside-down suet feeders effectively exclude starlings whilst allowing smaller birds access.
- Food selection is critical: Starlings avoid safflower seeds, nyjer, and striped sunflower seeds, making these excellent choices for deterring them.
- Strategic placement works: Removing perches, adjusting feeder height, and limiting feeding times reduce starling activity significantly.
- Humane methods only: Chemical deterrents and harmful exclusion tactics are unnecessary, unethical, and often illegal.
- Patience pays off: Starlings are persistent, but consistent application of multiple strategies yields long-term results.
Why Are Starlings a Problem at Bird Feeders?
European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to North America in the 1890s when approximately 100 birds were released in New York City’s Central Park. The individual responsible reportedly wanted to introduce all birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s works to the continent. That well-intentioned but ecologically disastrous decision has resulted in a population exceeding 200 million starlings across the United States and Canada.
Aggressive Behavior and Large Flocks
Starlings exhibit several behaviors that make them problematic at feeding stations:
- Flock feeding: They arrive in groups of dozens or even hundreds, overwhelming feeders designed for individual or small-group feeding.
- Aggressive displacement: Starlings actively chase away smaller native species including bluebirds, woodpeckers, chickadees, and finches.
- Rapid consumption: A single flock can empty a feeder in minutes, creating significant ongoing costs for homeowners.
- Messy eating habits: They scatter seed, create waste, and soil feeding areas with droppings.
Impact on Native Bird Species
The ecological consequences extend beyond your backyard. Starlings compete with native cavity-nesting birds for nesting sites, often evicting bluebirds, purple martins, and woodpeckers from established nests. They consume vast quantities of insects that would otherwise support native insectivorous species. According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, starlings represent one of the most significant invasive bird species in North America, with documented negative impacts on at least 27 native bird species.
Understanding why starlings dominate feeders helps explain why certain deterrent strategies prove effective whilst others fail.
How Do I Get Rid Of Starlings At My Bird Feeders
Addressing the starling problem requires a multi-faceted approach. No single solution works universally, but combining several strategies creates an environment that favours native songbirds over invasive starlings.
Primary Strategies for Starling Control
Quick Solutions for Immediate Results:
- Install caged feeders that allow small birds through but exclude starlings
- Switch to safflower seeds which starlings find unpalatable
- Use upside-down suet feeders that only woodpeckers and nuthatches can access
- Remove perches from existing feeders to eliminate starling landing spots
- Implement weight-sensitive feeders that close when heavier birds land
- Reduce feeding times to limit starling discovery opportunities
- Clean up spilled seed daily to remove ground-feeding attractions
The Three-Pillar Approach
Effective starling management rests on three fundamental pillars:
- Physical exclusion through feeder design modifications
- Food preference manipulation by offering seeds starlings dislike
- Environmental adjustment including placement, timing, and habitat management
Each pillar reinforces the others. A weight-sensitive feeder (physical exclusion) filled with safflower seeds (food preference) placed near protective shrubs (environmental adjustment) creates multiple barriers that starlings find too challenging to overcome.
The key is consistency. Starlings are intelligent and adaptable; they will test your defenses repeatedly. Maintaining your chosen strategies for several weeks allows local starling populations to learn that your feeders no longer provide easy meals, encouraging them to seek food elsewhere.
Bird Feeder Designs That Deter Starlings
Feeder design represents your first and most important line of defense. The physical structure determines which birds can access food, making it the foundation of any starling-control strategy.
Caged Feeders
Caged feeders surround the seed ports or feeding area with metal bars spaced 1.5 to 1.75 inches apart. This spacing allows:
- Chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches (easy access)
- Finches and sparrows (comfortable access)
- Cardinals and grosbeaks (possible but challenging access)
Whilst excluding:
- Starlings (body too large)
- Grackles and blackbirds (body too large)
- Squirrels (bonus benefit)
Caged feeders work exceptionally well for sunflower seeds, mixed seed, and peanuts. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology reports that properly sized caged feeders reduce starling feeding by approximately 95% whilst maintaining access for desired species.
Weight-Sensitive Feeders
These mechanical feeders use counterweights or springs to close feeding ports when birds exceeding a certain weight land on the perch. Most models can be adjusted to close at weights between 1.5 and 3 ounces.
Weight comparison:
- Chickadee: 0.4 ounces
- Goldfinch: 0.5 ounces
- House finch: 0.7 ounces
- Cardinal: 1.6 ounces
- Starling: 2.9 ounces ❌
- Grackle: 4.2 ounces ❌
Weight-sensitive mechanisms effectively exclude starlings whilst allowing most desirable songbirds access. However, they may also exclude larger native species like cardinals and jays, so consider your target species when selecting this option.
Upside-Down Suet Feeders
Traditional suet feeders with bottom access attract starlings, who consume suet voraciously. Upside-down suet feeders require birds to cling to the bottom of the feeder and feed whilst hanging inverted position starlings find extremely difficult.
Birds that excel at upside-down feeding:
- Woodpeckers (all species)
- Nuthatches
- Chickadees
- Titmice
This simple design modification eliminates approximately 90% of starling suet consumption according to field observations by the Audubon Society.
Tube Feeders with Short Perches
Standard tube feeders with perches longer than one inch accommodate starlings comfortably. Replacing long perches with very short pegs (0.5 inches or less) forces birds to hover or cling whilst feeding a technique small songbirds manage easily but starlings find challenging.
Alternatively, remove perches entirely. Finches, chickadees, and nuthatches readily cling to feeding ports, whilst starlings struggle without stable perches.
Feeders to Avoid
- Platform or tray feeders: Provide easy access for large flocks
- Hopper feeders with wide ledges: Accommodate multiple starlings simultaneously
- Standard suet cages: Allow easy starling access
- Feeders with large feeding ports: Enable rapid seed extraction
Foods That Starlings Avoid
Dietary preferences vary significantly among bird species. Exploiting these differences allows you to offer foods that attract desirable birds whilst discouraging starlings.
Seeds Starlings Dislike
Safflower seeds represent the gold standard for starling deterrence. These white, slightly bitter seeds are enthusiastically consumed by:
- Cardinals
- Chickadees
- Titmice
- Nuthatches
- House finches
- Doves
Starlings find safflower seeds unpalatable and typically abandon feeders offering only this option within days. The bitter coating doesn’t appeal to their taste preferences, and the harder shell requires more effort to crack than their preferred foods.
Nyjer (thistle) seeds attract finches—particularly goldfinches—almost exclusively. Starlings show virtually no interest in these tiny, oil-rich seeds, making nyjer feeders naturally starling-proof. The specialized feeders required (with very small ports) provide additional physical exclusion.
Striped sunflower seeds (as opposed to black oil sunflower) have thicker, harder shells that starlings find less rewarding. Whilst not completely avoided, starlings prefer easier options when available.
Foods That Attract Starlings
Avoid or minimize these offerings if starling control is your priority:
- Cracked corn: A starling favorite
- Millet: Readily consumed in large quantities
- Bread and baked goods: Highly attractive to starlings
- Suet (in open feeders): Consumed voraciously
- Mealworms: Attract starlings and grackles
- Black oil sunflower seeds: Preferred by many species, including starlings
Do Feed / Don’t Feed Comparison
| Feed These ✅ | Avoid These ❌ |
|---|---|
| Safflower seeds | Cracked corn |
| Nyjer (thistle) | Millet |
| Striped sunflower | Bread or scraps |
| Peanuts in shell | Suet in open feeders |
| Nectar (hummingbirds) | Black oil sunflower (if starlings present) |
Strategic Food Rotation
Consider offering starling-attractive foods only during seasons when starling populations are minimal in your area. In many regions, starling numbers decrease during breeding season (April–June) when pairs disperse to nesting territories. During this window, you might successfully offer mixed seeds or suet without overwhelming starling pressure.
Conversely, during fall and winter when starlings form large foraging flocks, maintain strict safflower-and-nyjer feeding protocols to prevent establishment of your feeders as a reliable starling food source.
Natural and Humane Starling Deterrents
Beyond feeder design and food selection, several environmental modifications discourage starling activity without causing harm.
Visual Deterrents
Reflective objects create moving light patterns that starlings find unsettling:
- Reflective tape strips near feeders
- Old CDs or DVDs hung on fishing line
- Mylar balloons (secured to prevent wildlife entanglement)
- Commercial bird-deterrent holographic strips
Effectiveness varies, and starlings often habituate to static visual deterrents within weeks. Rotating different visual elements maintains novelty and improves long-term results.
Predator decoys such as plastic owls or hawks provide limited deterrence. Starlings quickly recognize stationary decoys as harmless. If using decoys, move them every 2–3 days and combine with other strategies.
Motion-Activated Deterrents
Motion-activated sprinklers effectively startle starlings without harm. When birds approach, a brief spray of water creates an unpleasant experience that encourages them to feed elsewhere. These devices work best:
- During warmer months (freezing temperatures create complications)
- In areas where water spray won’t damage structures
- When positioned to cover primary approach routes
Auditory Deterrents
Distress calls of starlings, played intermittently, can discourage flock feeding. However, this approach risks disturbing neighbors and may affect desirable bird species. Use sparingly and considerately.
Wind chimes and similar noise-makers provide minimal deterrence. Starlings readily habituate to predictable sounds.
What to Avoid
Never use:
- Sticky repellents (inhumane; damage bird feathers)
- Chemical deterrents (potentially toxic to all birds)
- Physical traps (stressful; relocation often illegal)
- Poison (illegal, inhumane, and dangerous to non-target species)
Legal and Ethical Considerations
European starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States, meaning they lack the legal protections afforded to native species. However, this does not justify inhumane treatment. Ethical bird management prioritizes:
- Non-lethal methods that encourage starlings to feed elsewhere
- Species-specific approaches that don’t harm native birds
- Habitat modification rather than direct intervention
- Long-term solutions over quick fixes
The goal is not to harm starlings but to make your feeders less attractive than alternative food sources in the environment.
Encourage Other Birds Instead
Creating an environment that favors native songbirds over starlings involves more than just feeder management. Comprehensive habitat enhancement provides natural food sources and shelter that support balanced bird populations.
Attracting Desirable Species
Plant native shrubs and trees that provide:
- Natural seed sources (coneflowers, sunflowers, asters)
- Berry-producing plants (serviceberry, elderberry, holly)
- Insect habitat (oak, willow, native grasses)
Native plants support 10–50 times more insect biomass than non-native ornamentals, providing crucial protein sources for insectivorous birds.
Provide clean water through:
- Bird baths with fresh water changed daily
- Drippers or fountains that create moving water (highly attractive)
- Multiple water sources at different heights
Install appropriate nesting boxes:
- Chickadee boxes: 1.125-inch entrance hole
- Bluebird boxes: 1.5-inch entrance hole
- Wren boxes: 1-inch entrance hole
Critical: Install starling-excluder entrance holes (1.5 inches or smaller) to prevent starlings from usurping nest boxes intended for native cavity-nesters.
Create Vertical Habitat Structure
Birds occupy different vertical zones in the environment:
- Ground level: Sparrows, towhees, juncos
- Shrub layer: Cardinals, catbirds, thrashers
- Mid-canopy: Warblers, vireos, tanagers
- Canopy: Orioles, tanagers, grosbeaks
Diversified plantings create multiple feeding and nesting niches that support greater bird diversity. Starlings prefer open areas and edge habitats; dense, multi-layered vegetation favors native songbirds.
Reduce Lawn Area
Large lawn expanses benefit starlings, who forage effectively on short grass for insects and grubs. Replacing lawn with:
- Native wildflower meadows
- Groundcover plantings
- Mulched garden beds
reduces starling foraging habitat whilst increasing resources for native species.
Ecological Balance
Remember that starlings are part of the ecosystem, however problematic. The objective is not complete elimination but rather creating conditions where native species thrive despite starling presence. A balanced approach recognizes that:
- Small numbers of starlings cause minimal harm
- Complete exclusion is unrealistic in most settings
- Native bird populations indicate ecosystem health
- Patience and persistence yield gradual improvements
When to Seek Professional Help
Most starling problems resolve through the strategies outlined above. However, certain situations warrant professional wildlife management assistance.
Signs You Need Professional Help
Large-scale infestations: If hundreds of starlings roost on your property, creating noise, mess, and potential structural damage, professional assessment may identify attractants or recommend exclusion strategies beyond typical feeder management.
Property damage: Starlings nesting in roof vents, soffits, or attics can cause significant damage. Professional wildlife control services can humanely exclude birds and seal entry points to prevent re-entry.
Health concerns: Large accumulations of bird droppings create potential health hazards through fungal spores (Histoplasma capsulatum) and bacterial contamination. Professional cleaning and exclusion may be necessary.
Persistent problems despite multiple strategies: If you’ve implemented feeder modifications, food changes, and deterrents for several months without improvement, a wildlife management professional can assess site-specific factors you may have overlooked.
Selecting Wildlife Control Services
When seeking professional help, prioritize services that:
Emphasize humane, non-lethal methods Focus on exclusion and habitat modification Provide long-term solutions, not just quick fixes Understand bird behavior and ecology Comply with all federal and state wildlife regulations
Avoid services that rely primarily on lethal control or fail to address underlying attractants.
Seasonal Tips for Keeping Starlings Away
Starling behavior varies seasonally, requiring adaptive management strategies throughout the year.
Spring and Summer (March–August)
Nesting season considerations:
- Inspect buildings for potential nesting sites; seal openings before starlings begin nesting
- Monitor nest boxes daily; remove starling nesting material immediately (legal, as starlings are non-native)
- Reduce suet feeding during hot weather (it spoils rapidly and attracts starlings)
- Emphasize nyjer and safflower seeds when starling pairs are feeding nestlings
Advantages: Starling populations disperse during breeding season, reducing flock feeding pressure. Individual pairs are easier to deter than large winter flocks.
Fall and Winter (September–February)
Flock feeding challenges:
- Starlings form large foraging flocks, creating maximum pressure on feeders
- Maintain strict safflower-only feeding protocols
- Clean feeding areas daily to remove spilled seed that attracts flocks
- Consider reducing overall feeding volume to make your feeders less attractive than natural food sources
Adjust feeding schedules:
- Fill feeders late in the day (starlings feed primarily in morning and midday)
- Provide only enough seed for one day; empty feeders are less attractive to prospecting flocks
- Take feeders down temporarily if starling pressure becomes overwhelming; resume after flocks move on
Winter roost management:
- Starlings form communal winter roosts, sometimes numbering thousands of birds
- If a roost forms near your property, expect increased feeder pressure
- Focus on exclusion strategies; attempting to disrupt roosts typically proves ineffective and may simply relocate the problem
Year-Round Maintenance
Regardless of season:
- Clean feeders weekly with 10% bleach solution to prevent disease
- Inspect feeders monthly for damage; repair or replace as needed
- Monitor bird activity and adjust strategies based on what you observe
- Keep records of what works and what doesn’t for future reference
Conclusion
Learning how to get rid of starlings at your bird feeders requires patience, persistence, and a multi-strategy approach. No single solution provides perfect results, but combining physical exclusion through appropriate feeder designs, strategic food selection favoring safflower and nyjer seeds, and environmental modifications creates an effective barrier that protects resources for native songbirds.
The most successful approach involves:
- Immediate action: Install caged feeders or weight-sensitive mechanisms and switch to safflower seeds
- Medium-term strategy: Adjust feeder placement, remove perches, and implement visual or motion deterrents
- Long-term habitat enhancement: Plant native vegetation, provide diverse food sources, and create vertical habitat structure that favors native species
Remember that starlings are intelligent, adaptable birds. They will test your defenses repeatedly. Consistency matters more than perfection. Maintaining your chosen strategies for several weeks allows local starling populations to learn that your feeders no longer provide easy meals.
Most importantly, focus on creating positive conditions for the birds you want to attract rather than obsessing over excluding starlings. A habitat rich in native plants, clean water, and appropriate shelter naturally supports diverse native bird populations that can coexist with small numbers of starlings.
Try these starling-proof methods today and enjoy peaceful bird watching again. Start with one or two strategies, observe the results, and adjust your approach based on what works in your specific situation. Your backyard birds—and your bird seed budget—will thank you.
FAQ Section
What do starlings hate the most?
Starlings strongly dislike safflower seeds due to their bitter taste and harder shell. They also avoid nyjer seeds and find upside-down feeding positions (required by certain suet feeders) extremely challenging. Additionally, starlings prefer open feeding areas and are deterred by caged feeders with 1.5-inch bar spacing that physically excludes them whilst allowing smaller songbirds access.
What’s the best feeder to keep starlings away?
Caged feeders with 1.5 to 1.75-inch bar spacing represent the most effective option for seed feeding, whilst upside-down suet feeders work best for suet. Weight-sensitive feeders that close when birds exceeding 2 ounces land provide excellent results but may also exclude larger desirable species like cardinals. For finches specifically, nyjer feeders with small ports naturally exclude starlings through both food preference and physical design.
Are starlings harmful to other birds?
Yes, starlings negatively impact native bird species through multiple mechanisms. They aggressively displace smaller birds from feeders, compete for cavity nesting sites (sometimes destroying eggs or nestlings of native species), consume food resources that would otherwise support native populations, and their large flocks can overwhelm local ecosystems. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology documents negative impacts on at least 27 native North American bird species.
Can starlings be removed humanely?
Starlings can be discouraged humanely through habitat modification, feeder design changes, and food selection strategies that make your property less attractive without causing harm. Focus on exclusion rather than removal: caged feeders, safflower seeds, and environmental deterrents encourage starlings to feed elsewhere. Avoid lethal control, chemical deterrents, or sticky repellents. While starlings are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, ethical bird management prioritizes non-lethal methods that don’t cause suffering.
