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Species: Starling

Protection Level

Federally Protected	No
State Protected	No
VA Nuisance Species	Yes

Identification
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European Starling
Sturnus vulgaris

More Photos

Other Identification sources

Cornell lab of Ornithology

Legal
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The European starling is designated a nuisance species in Virginia 4VAC15-20-160. Virginia law allows the taking of all nuisance species at any time. While european starlings are classified as a nuisance in Virginia, a landowner should use lethal alternatives only after all non-lethal controls have been exhausted.

In Virginia it is illegal to

transport or release a european starling anywhere other than the property it was caught on. 4VAC15-30-50
poison any animal (including european starling) other than rats and mice on your property. 4VAC15-40-50
set a trap where it would be likely to injure persons, dogs, stock or fowl.§29.1-521.
not visit all traps once each day and remove all animals caught.§29.1-521.

Management Options
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Other Sources

European starlings, Utah Cooperative Extension

European Starlings, Best practices for Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators in New York State

Internet Center For Wildlife Damage Management

Starlings, Florida Cooperative Extension

Life History
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Life History information can be found at the Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service Web page.

European Starling

Disease
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There are many diseases that wildlife species are capable of carrying and transferring to humans (zoonotic diseases). While all zoonotic diseases are a serious threat to humans this website will only address those that are a concern for Virginia residents.

Salmonellosis

Histoplasmosis