Ecology and management of common starlings in the McLaren Vale district

Abstract

Current management techniques are relatively ineffective at controlling Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) damage to winegrapes. Ecological data collected on starling breeding, foraging, roosting and movement behaviours in the McLaren Vale district have been used to suggest alternative management regimes. Individual birds moved up to 12km indicating the need for a regional scale management plan. Economic estimates of grape losses to starlings across the McLaren Vale region indicate relatively little damage, although some individual growers may suffer significant losses. The most cost effective management of starlings in grape growing districts is better met by implementing a regional cull of breeding pairs.

Summary

Recommends a regional cull of breeding pairs