Robinson, R.A., Siriwardena, G.M. & Crick, H.Q.P . 2006.  The population decline of the Starling Sturnus vulgaris in Great Britain: patterns and causes. Proc. 23rd Int. Orn. Congr., Beijing. Acta Zoologica Sinica 52 (Suppl): 550-553.

Abstract

Although the starling has the capacity for explosive population growth, its population in Britain has declined by two-thirds over the last 40 years. Here we summarize a major study (Crick et al., 2002) which investigates the reasons for this. The starling is commonest in urban and farmland habitats, though density in the latter is much lower; the total breeding population is estimated at 9 million birds. In general, breeding productivity has increased, while survival, particularly of juveniles, has shown periods of decrease. The decline on farmland has been greater in pastoral areas, and is probably linked to reduced foraging opportunities associated with more intensive agricultural management. There is some evidence for a decline in urban populations, but data are scant and possible reasons for decline there are unclear.

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