Blackpool, Lancashire, UK 11th January, 2014. Murmuration exaltation: A starling bird flock forms an acrobatic swoop over the roost on Blackpool North Pier at dusk. Credit: Mar Photographics/Alamy Live News
The Common Starling is a highly gregarious species, especially in autumn and winter. Although flock size is highly variable, huge, noisy flocks may form near roosts. These dense concentrations of birds are thought to be a defence against attacks by birds of prey such as Peregrine Falcons or Eurasian Sparrowhawks. Flocks form a tight sphere-like formation in flight, frequently expanding and contracting and changing shape, seemingly without any sort of leader. Each Common Starling changes its course and speed as a result of the movement of its closest neighbours. Very large roosts, exceptionally up to million birds, can form in city centres, woodlands or reedbeds, causing problems with their droppings. These may accumulate up to 30 cm (12 in) deep, killing trees by their concentration of chemicals. In smaller amounts, the droppings act as a fertiliser, and therefore woodland managers may try to move roosts from one area of a wood to another to benefit from the soil enhancement and avoid large toxic deposits.
Size: 3600px × 2400px
Location: Blackpool, Lancashire, UK
Photo credit: © Mar Photographics / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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