European Starlings Fly Before They Fledge

Abstract

Aircraft bird strikes are increasing globally. Bird strikes constitute a major human health and safety risk and result in millions of dollars in economic impacts. Invasive avian species, such as the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris; starlings), have been implicated in bird strikes in North America. Because this species is highly adaptive and has been successful at establishing in new areas, such as airports, it is essential that managers better understand the potential risks and how to mitigate them. Herein we present a case study regarding a novel observation of unique starling nesting behavior that may pose a risk to airport operations and aircraft.

Keywords

• aircraft
• biosecurity
• bird/wildlife aircraft strike hazard (bash)
• european starling
• invasive species
• long-distance vector
• sturnus vulgaris