Starlings Nesting In Roof Space

Starlings prefer to roost in tree cavities or small crevices but will choose an attic if these natural habitats are not available.

Starlings nesting in roof space. Make the slope steeper. In urban areas nests occupy building eaves window ledges and almost any other place between 6 and 60 feet off the ground. Be proactive and seal any cavities and gaps where starlings have nested before as they do have a tendency to return to nesting sites. If you can see a gap you think they may take a shine to seal it before they start nest building.

European starlings were introduced to north america purposely and have adapted to a wide range of habitat conditions including city office buildings warehouses and bridges. Hello we ve just discovered that starlings have gotten in to our roof to start building a nest. Only when you are certain that a nest is no longer in use can it be removed as active nests for all birds are fully protected by law. Starling nests are a loosely woven mass of bark grass twigs and trash.

If there is a nest present the starling in the attic is most likely male. If so treat this nest like a nest in an attic or similar cavity. Starlings often nest within tree hollows and even cracks in utility poles. What does a starling nest look like.

Check the nest frequently once the young leave the nest remove the nesting material and seal the openings. If you find they ve built a nest but haven t laid any eggs remove the nest and immediately fill the gap. At this time of year starlings will be investigating any crevices and holes in buildings for a suitable place to breed. You may have to wait about 12 days for eggs to hatch and up to 3 weeks for young to leave the nest.

Breeding usually starts in mid april so it is possible that they are only roosting in the roofspace in the evenings and leaving the following morning to feed. The beak of the european starling is dark brown in winter but turns yellow during breeding season. If you find eggs or young birds in attics or similar cavities leave them be. Hide the nest material.

Foolproof ways to stop sparrows and starlings from nesting under your eaves. Where natural tree hollows for their cavity nests are lacking starlings nest in attics and other building spaces gaining access via vents for dryers stoves and bathrooms or via deteriorated or damaged building materials. Although they are noisy they seldom cause any damage and their nesting period is fairly short. In most states it s legal to destroy the nest of any bird as long as it s not fully established.

Nests in attics and similar cavities.