Nesting Common starling

a parent feeding chick in nest in tree hole in england

unpaired males find suitable cavity , begin build nests in order attract single females, decorating nest ornaments such flowers , fresh green material, female later disassembles upon accepting him mate. amount of green material not important, long present, presence of herbs in decorative material appears significant in attracting mate. scent of plants such yarrow acts olfactory attractant females.

the males sing throughout of construction , more when female approaches nest. following copulation, male , female continue build nest. nests may in type of hole, common locations include inside hollowed trees, buildings, tree stumps , man-made nest-boxes. s. v. zetlandicus typically breeds in crevices , holes in cliffs, habitat used nominate form. nests typically made out of straw, dry grass , twigs inner lining made of feathers, wool , soft leaves. construction takes 4 or 5 days , may continue through incubation.

common starlings both monogamous , polygamous; although broods brought 1 male , 1 female, pair may have helper. pairs may part of colony, in case several other nests may occupy same or nearby trees. males may mate second female while first still on nest. reproductive success of bird poorer in second nest in primary nest , better when male remains monogamous.