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100 Starlings Unleashed: 200 Million Now
5 Jun
Summary
- Around 100 European starlings were released in Central Park in the 1890s.
- Descendants of these birds now number over 200 million across North America.
- Starlings are considered invasive, impacting native birds and crops.
In 1890, a man's literary passion led to the introduction of European starlings into New York's Central Park. Eugene Schieffelin, aiming to populate North America with birds mentioned in Shakespeare's plays, released about 100 starlings over two years.
These birds, descendants of the initial flock, now number over 200 million and are found across the continent. Their remarkable adaptability allows them to thrive in diverse environments, from urban areas to forests.
Starlings' aggressive nesting habits and broad diet give them an advantage over native species. This success, however, has ecological consequences, including negative impacts on native birds and significant annual crop damage costing millions.
The starling's prolific spread serves as a stark example of how introductions can reshape ecosystems, highlighting the far-reaching impact of seemingly small human decisions.
