What Do Starlings Eat?

Britain's Starling population was once considered to be of pest proportions but it is no coincidence that it has become quite rare since drastic changes have taken place in farming practice. Habitually, the Starling once depended on feeding from stubble fields left to overwinter from the previous harvest, but now new crops are planted immediately after harvesting removing the winter food supply for many species.

Even the huge flocks, which roosted overnight in many of our major cities, woodlands and reed beds, have gone. Their preferred habitat is open woodland with scattered trees amongst farmland but they are also attracted to human habitation.

Starlings are omnivorous depending on a wide variety of food items taking invertebrates and seeds whenever they are available. They will also come to our bird feeders and have developed the ability to hang and exploit hanging Peanut Feeders. They seem fearless as they strut around taking our bird food scattered either on the ground or put on the bird table. They will take a wide variety of Haith's bird food mixtures especially Wild Bird Food and Golden Chorus.

Starlings naturally nest in tree holes and cavities in buildings but will also take to nest boxes with a hole diameter of 46 to 50mm.

Try these bird foods:

starling sat on a branch

The Haith's Foreign Finch Feeding System

Experienced finch keepers rarely rely on a single food alone. A balanced finch diet typically combines a quality seed mix, conditioning foods, enrichment, essential minerals and additional nutritional support. Together these foods help maintain vitality, support breeding condition and encourage natural feeding behaviour.
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Daily Diet

Foreign Finch Mix

A balanced seed mix designed to provide the staple diet for foreign finches.
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Conditioning

Foreign Finch Tonic Food

A highly nutritious tonic food that supports feather quality, vitality and breeding condition.
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Enrichment

Millet Sprays

Encourages natural feeding behaviour and provides stimulation for active finches.
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Minerals

Fine Oystershell Grit for Cage Birds

Essential minerals that support digestion and provide a valuable calcium source.
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Health & Support

Cuttlefish Bone

Additional nutritional support to help maintain strong and healthy birds.

During Breeding & Rearing

During breeding season, finches require additional protein and nutrition to support egg production, chick development and feather growth.

Rearing Food

Rearing & Conditioning Food™ for Budgie & Canary Breeding and rearing

A high-protein softfood commonly used during breeding and chick rearing.

Conditioning Support

Condition Seed No Rape – A Gentle Boost for Peak Form

Helps support birds in peak condition before and during breeding.

Sprouting Seeds

Easisoak Seed™ - sprouting seed for canaries, British birds, hybrids & budgerigars

Sprouting seeds provide fresh, highly nutritious food that breeding birds thrive on.

Shop our entire range of wild bird foods here

Discover tips and inspiration for keeping your garden birds happy and healthy this season.

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