I am seriously considering getting a starling... can you suggest me a website or a book where there is good information about the keeping of starlings? I live in europe and I have no idea where to get a young one
@1234gimmeascream Thanks for your interest in starlings. Here in the States, the only way to get a starling is by sheer luck. If you can find one in the Spring that is in need of a home (because the mother is dead, for instance), you can become a Mama bird. There are bird rehabbers that look for homes for baby starlings if they determine that the bird is incapable of living on its own. You can't buy them in pet stores. If you luck into one, the website Starling Talk is a goldmine of info.
@1234gimmeascream There are also chat rooms (through Starling Talk and other sites) where people share their starling experiences and expertise. If you should be so fortunate as to find a bird who really needs a home, I'd be glad to help. However, it is usually much better to leave the baby birds with their mothers. My Beakie had been separated from her mother and nest and was all alone on a busy street in midtown Manhattan, New York City!
I am writing a story about a starling a was looking for some videos of one singing. I would love to see any other videos you have. Also do you still have the bird.
@MI6E Thanks for your interest! all the Beakie videos I have are here on YouTube. A friend made an unedited, long video years ago, but I've lost track of it.
well my sparrow has an overgrown beak but pecks it off. i found a concave rock to put seeds in that seems to help, your baby looks trimmed. since trimmer perches can be bought, why not trimmer dishes? so in hoping it get's invented, i ask people with birds that are beaky if they've come across any.
@oddmary I've tried cuttlebones and trimmer perches and Beakie won't go near them. I never heard of a trimmer dish, but I'm sure she wouldn't go near that, either!
Wow! I'd always known that starlings were smart but I had no idea that they could talk! We've got loads of 'em around my home and I love how cheeky and utterly engaging they are... I could spend hours watching and taking photos of 'em.
@Loshia2002 I love your word "cheeky" for starlings! That's so apt. I also love "feisty." They are the BEST! Funny, too! Thanks so much for your comments--Beakie says thank you, too!
I can hear it say Gotcha! and precious bird after watching the other video. :) I was intrigued earlier having a debate about music and remembered Mozart having a starling as a pet and remarking on it's beautiful songs and became intrigued as to their abilities. I find myself enamored with these birds now along with the abilities and intellect of ravens! Thank you for the video and being a caring and inspired owner/rescuer.
@tindragonusa Thanks for your comments! Yes, starlings are the BEST! They're the smartest, funniest, most endearing, and talented birds ever! And Beakie thanks you for your interest.
@xylfox that's Beakie whistling Strauss. She also whistles the theme to the first movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony, Brahms' lullably, some snipppets of Wagner and some little tunes we made up. She really is sensational, wow! Thank you too!
@elfperson1 You can see Beakie's other performances by going to my list of videos--just go to Elfperson1. You'll see Beakie and one of my cats. Thanks--Beakie loves her fans!
@elfperson1 cause i have a baby starling...not quite the same as this one and im scared he will leave me before he gets to know me. and i dont want to cage him.
@nothadnotbad I know how heartbreaking that separation can be. I just hand-fed and brought up three baby starlings, and then sent them for a soft release (in a large but screened space with a small flock of starlings, where they learn how to forage for food and to socialize) prior to being released to the wild. I have been so sad since they left me. I'll never bring up a baby starling again unless I intend to keep it! Good luck--sounds like you're letting the bird decide what to do...
@namasterchoma Oh please don't worry. Does she seem like an unhappy, maltreated bird? This was obviously just before I shortened her beak. Starlings do not use a cuttle bone like parrots do; she can't forage in the grass for bugs and worms indoors, so her beak doesn't stay as trim as it would outside. I need to clip her toenails periodically as well. She's fine.
@namasterchoma She HATES having her beak shortened, so I usually chicken out and procrastinate, and it gets too long. Then, i'm afraid I will cut it too short and make her bleed--i did that once when she was very young--so i just take off a little. you are right, however--it's much too long in this video!
Yeah, i used to have cockatiels and i know what kind of "show" they start when you tried to cut their peaks...I dunno about starlings but i guess its pretty much same fight :P But this bird seems to be happy, singing ect. Apparently you take good care of her and thats main thing :)
"Kiss kiss", "Where's my kiss?" "Whatcha doin'?" "Pirate face" (we nickname the starlings here pirates because of the way they come in huge numbers and take all the food ;) ), "Morning, kids!", "Chup" (What we say to our sparrow) and he does a great impression of my other half's laugh.
@SirFrancisBurton I wouldn't be surprised if she were a ventriloquist! I don't recognize that music, which means it's the radio and not a CD I chose myself...so sorry!
@913spiffy Starlings were imported by some guy who decided to bring over all the birds that are named in the plays of Shakespeare. Crazy. So he brought some starlings, and they're so intelligent, hardy and feisty, they took over! They've thrived, to the point of competing with other native species of birds, which makes people regard them as vermin. Because they are "vermin," it is not illegal to have one as a pet, as it is for other birds! I adore my little "vermin!"
May I ask how you got him? I want one very bad, and just got informed that the birds tha i have in my shed all summer are Starlings! Would it be cruel to the mother if I take a baby?
.. Now please dont juge me for being '' cruel '' to nature, if im asking its because I care about them. thanks
@jojomoor Hello--I found Beakie abandoned as a baby on the sidewalk in midtown Manhattan, New York. It would be cruel to both the mother and the baby to take the baby away, even if you took excellent care of him or her. The little bird would not have an opportunity to have a real life as a bird. If you go on line, you will find sites such as Starling Talk where people post notices that homes are needed for abandoned, motherless birds; it would be much better to adopt one of those.
@elfperson1 I am a bird person and I want a crow but that isn't legal so I will look at starling Talk and see if I can adopt a chick. Thanks for the information that this is a possibility!
@birdmanphil4 During the spring, many baby starlings lose their mothers and nests through accidents, storms, human intervention, etc. If these conditions are present, it's fine to adopt a starling. Starling Talk also has good information about nourishment, care, housing, etc. for starlings. Be aware it's an enormous commitment to adopt a baby bird. They require a great deal of attention, care and socializing. Don't adopt if you are reluctant to commit to this!
@jojomoor If you care about them, which I see that you do, it would be much more caring to allow the baby starlings in your shed to have a normal bird life, and to adopt a bird that needs a home. As humans, we may think we're making it better for the birds to bring them indoors and make them pets, but that's not what's really best for the birds, who need to be birds, not pets.
@pupshoo Just give him bananas, apples, pears, any other fruit but avocado, and see what he likes. You can feed him what you eat, as long as it's not avocado or chocolate. But his staple should be something very high in protein, like mashed soaked dry kitten food etc.--you can get a real recipe on Starling Talk.com. Or buy wax worms in Petland or on line--some places have very fresh ones.
I like how you think of the screech as exuberant...we're being scolded like...feed me...There's poop in my water... take me to my big bath...I NEED NEW BANANA!..... I'm trying to get her to skip the screech and just say come on, but there is no convincing a starling.
@pupshoo Wow, your guy is a real communicator! Beakie let's me know what she needs, too, though she must think sometimes I'm pretty stupid (why can't I figure out she'd like some hard-boiled egg?). You are so right--there is no convincing a starling. They tend not to be reasonable!
@elfperson1 I make a mush of ground dry catfood, egg yolk and applesauce for my starling. It is her main food. Then she has some fine ground dry catfood on the side to snack on and a piece of banana to pick on all day. She likes pastry bread and cookies too. we only give her spring water. Pampered pet? You bet!
@pupshoo I brought Beakie up on mashed, soaked dry kitten food, mashed egg yolk, calcium powder, and birdie vitamin. As an adult, she eats wax worms, a mixture of brown rice, cooked eggs, sunflower oil, and vitamin, plus apples, pears, lettuce, and pretty much anything we eat except chocolate and avocado, of course. Her big treat is cheesecake! Don't we love our pampered pets?
does your starling do the starling screech? Mine has a predictable line up of sounds and whistles leading up to it. If I ignore her she says 'come on, come on' until you check o see what she wants. Is your starling that demanding?
@pupshoo Your starling does that, too? Yes! It sounds like absolute and utter exuberance, at the end of a long line of whistling, chatter, and general high spirits. Beakie says "come on, come on," also, especially when she thinks i'm taking too long preparing her food (which means, sharing my food with her). When she just wants to talk, she gives out the first, upward phrase of the wolf whistle or another tune, and I'm supposed to respond with the second phrase. Aren't they smart? Wow.
I have a starling and The vet started trimming his beak with a dremmel tool , It makes it easier for her to eat and drink... Now I do it myself..Beak looks like she could use a trim...Starlings beaks grow like fingernails..... our bird willnot use a cuttlebone so we trim
@pupshoo Oh yes, the trimming of beak and nails. In this video, obviously she's overdue for a beak-trim. I've done it often, though she hates it. She would never touch a cuttlebone either!
@KairuHakubi Actually, as far as I know, the starlings here in the US were brought over from England by someone who wanted the US to have all the birds named in the plays of Shakespeare. This is why I have given Beakie a classical education.
@elfperson1 I never knew it before, in my last apartment, they were all living in my Attick lol. Imagine them all learning to say, Lulu, feed me, like a hundred of them at the same time!! lol.
@brooklynlulu I know. i have fantasies of getting a second starling, and then they'll both be screaming "it's okay, you're safe," and "i love you" and "I think it's time for a little bird to go to sleep" all day long...
@elfperson1 There is a vid of two Indian Ringneck birds that talk to each other and repeat what each other is saying, it's pretty funny. check it out lol , it's talking parrots, by kingtutone. it's really adorable!! they kiss each others heads and talk to a cell phone as well ehehe. Let me know if you find it. but yeah, I can see it hard not getting more birds for the family :-)
@GilaTomster I am delighted that she stayed to live with us, but if you take in a baby starling, you have no choice, really. they become domesticated almost instantly, and when they do they can no longer fend for themselves outdoors. I agree completely, they are beautiful, intelligent--and funny!!!!
@skygarden I do have to clip it on occasion. in this video clip, it's really too long. I hate doing it because i'm afraid i'll hurt her, though I haven't.
@Oreocremerocks Yes, of course. We have a vet who pays house calls when needed. Because this is costly, I do her beak and nails myself. Since i made this video, I have trimmed her beak and nails any number of times. Not to worry!
Good job! If you're going to teach a starling to mimic anything, at least teach it the classics. This is a lot better than some of the others I've seen that just repeat their name over and over, and make kissy-noises.
The Starlings outside my apartment unfortunately learned dog barks and the sound of children screaming from the playground next door. That's really fun to hear all day.
@ZeroCorpse Thanks for the Bravos. I'm an extremely good whistler (it's my main musical talent), so it's natural for me to whistle the music I love. Beakie picked it up very quickly! She has in her repertoire Beethoven, Johann Strauss, Wagner, Brahms and Schubert. Not bad for a street bird!
Maybe you should angle a speaker out your window playing some beautiful music--who knows? Those starlings might pick it up!
Not a song, exactly--she's whistling the theme of the first movement of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony (the Pastorale), and also part of a Johann Strauss waltz. She's awesome! We thank you for listening.
We rescued an adult from a case of weather exposure, kept her overnight. Our Vinny showed much interest in her. She recovered quickly, and required a perch to be installed in her hospital cage. The next morning, she left her cage and flew around the garage, she wasn't fearful of us, but made it clear contact was off limits. So we opened the door and showed her. She perched on the inside door, checked outside, gave Vinny a nod, and off she took!
About the beak and nails: I tried getting a cuttlebone, and those sandpaper covers to put on her perches. She wouldn't go near the cuttlebone, and wouldn't use the perches with the sandpaper. Oh well. She's gotten used to having her beak and claws clipped, though she really doesn't like it.
The perch we got is ALL abrasive not just a cover. They can be funny about what they accept. i.e. Vinny won't accept any other bathtub, even though it's a bit small for him.
You have to be lucky enough to find a baby starling who needs rescuing. After that, if you interact with the bird, handle it, feed it, and take good care of it, it will bond to you very quickly. Starlings become domesticated very quickly; they are extremely social and intelligent birds, and they become part of your "flock--"or maybe you become part of the bird's flock!
An adult bird probably would not bond to you, but i have no experience adopting adult birds, only babies...
You really must cut their beaks when they're in captivity. Outside, their constant foraging for food wears the beak down naturally, but when they're inside, the beak grows longer and longer, making it difficult for them to grasp food, and eventually it gets very thin and weak and breaks off. Sometimes, only the upper or lower part will break, and that really makes eating impossible. So--yes, I clip her beak periodically, and it's worked fine for her for twelve plus years!
We got Vinny a special perch that is very rough like industrial grade sand paper, it's lightweight, there are also concrete ones. He also gets a cuttlebone. He was so traumatized by toenail maintenance..He does his own beak now and toenails stay pretty good..Now and again we have to clip...He still hates it.
Part of taking care of birds is attending to their grooming when they cannot. Starlings don't use cuttlebones and won't use gravely perches to trim their nails. if the beak and nails get too long, bad things happen: you must trim them both periodically. It does not hurt the bird, if you know how to do it properly; don't them too short, as that will make them bleed. i have gotten much expert advice on the care of this bird over the last twelve years, and we have been very successful.-
Thabnks! Starlings are excellent mimics, and can make all sorts of sounds. My Beakie is highly educated, being a domesticated birdie, so she whistles classical music, as I do. She's a European Starling.
Hehe, im raising two baby starlings at the moment.
the first one (Lightning) was only a day old or less when i got him (parents died in electrical box, other eggs didnt hatch and were cold, miracle hes still alive) he is now almost fledgling, and hes going to be a pet.
the other baby starling i have has a broken leg, she was also very young when i got her, and vets say the legs broken, but it broke in the egg, or durring hatching, they cannot fix it. she was kicked out of the nest.
Double yay! Congratulations to you--you're doing such a great and difficult thing! I know how much work it took to raise one starling, and you have two! How old are they now? I'm afraid you're going to have two pets--if the baby with the broken leg stays healthy and her leg heals, she'll be way too attached to you ever to release into the wild. They become domesticated in two seconds and then they can't survive out there. Let me know how they are! and how are you--exhausted?
Hehe, Last year, i had Four starlings at once, and 2 black birds. the starlings with little contact, bonded with eachother instead of me, and still visit me occasionaly. One of my friends, has fallen inlove with Lightning, and Zii will be going to another friend of mine, both bird owners with Big cages.
But yeah, i do volentary ork for the SPCA so i hand raise birdies.
And starlings are just one of my fave birds, they have a great personality ^~^.
I don't quite know what you mean. Starlings are very feisty and strong birds, and can survive well in the wild or when domesticated. They're also extremely intelligent.
if they're adults and have never been domesticated, yes, they're afraid of people. If they're domesticated, they seem to think people are their flock!
yea um... those starlings are not native to north or south america... just an fyi. haha starlings are amazing mimics. i love them personally... but i do not like the ones living wild in the americas, as they are highly aggressive in competing for nests and usually always win. they destroy the nests, kill the parents, chicks (if the parents are adamant in staying still) and kick out the eggs just to move in.
Glad you like the video. (the plural "starlings" takes no apostrophe, by the way! Sorry. ) Anyway--they are aggressive, smart, and very comical birds. Do you live in a city, or near one? If so, your best best is to go watch some starlings--you will quickly learn what they are like! They're all over the place, very common birds in large numbers.
My Beakie is 12, and i know of another domesticated Starling who was 20 when my vet told me about the bird! in the wild, they have been banded in some research and found to live between 9 and 20 years. they're amazing!
I tried leaving you a comment on your video, but YouTube wouldn't let me! It was sweet to see you feeding those babies--so sad that three of them died. You must have been heartbroken.
I fed Beakie dried kitten food, soaked in hot water till soft, with added mashed hard-boiled egg yolk, calcium powder, and avian vitamin. She thrived!
I definitely will be keeping in touch with you on Barnabus. I just wish that there was something I could've done to save his little siblings. I believe it was pneumonia from food inhalation that caused their death. Barnabus does enjoy watching your videos while he's playing on my computer! :)
Poor babies. if it was pneumonia, they'd have had to have antibiotics, and if they were very young, they might not have made it anyway. How did they inhale food? I've never heard that. I know you're not supposed to give them water until they're older, because they aspirate it, but inhaling food? Strange. And sad.
Barnabas is a lucky bird, and Beakie says hi--she is delighted that Barnabas likes her videos. She loves being a star!
The retired Audobon friend of mine had told me years ago to add some water to wet dog food and feed them. I think they got it in their windpipes and yes, aspirated on it. Unfortunately, being wild birds- they seemed to hide that there was trouble 'til it was too late. I have some feeding videos of them I was fortunate enough to take, but you tube is causing me grief. :(
Love your Starling! She's over 10 yrs old?! wow. Good Job. (my 1st only lived to be 1 1/2 yrs.) I kept going on and on this spring about how much I missed him... now I have another that a friend gave me to raise& release. He has become VERY attached and rides about on top of my head the whole time I'm with him. I don't think he wants to go anywhere else. Good luck with your girl! I hope to have that same luck with my Barnabus! :)
I am seriously considering getting a starling... can you suggest me a website or a book where there is good information about the keeping of starlings? I live in europe and I have no idea where to get a young one
1234gimmeascream 3 months ago
@1234gimmeascream Thanks for your interest in starlings. Here in the States, the only way to get a starling is by sheer luck. If you can find one in the Spring that is in need of a home (because the mother is dead, for instance), you can become a Mama bird. There are bird rehabbers that look for homes for baby starlings if they determine that the bird is incapable of living on its own. You can't buy them in pet stores. If you luck into one, the website Starling Talk is a goldmine of info.
elfperson1 3 months ago
@1234gimmeascream There are also chat rooms (through Starling Talk and other sites) where people share their starling experiences and expertise. If you should be so fortunate as to find a bird who really needs a home, I'd be glad to help. However, it is usually much better to leave the baby birds with their mothers. My Beakie had been separated from her mother and nest and was all alone on a busy street in midtown Manhattan, New York City!
elfperson1 3 months ago
Hi, that's an amazing bird you've got there.
I am writing a story about a starling a was looking for some videos of one singing. I would love to see any other videos you have. Also do you still have the bird.
Thanks for posting.
MI6Ethan 3 months ago
@MI6E Thanks for your interest! all the Beakie videos I have are here on YouTube. A friend made an unedited, long video years ago, but I've lost track of it.
elfperson1 3 months ago
well my sparrow has an overgrown beak but pecks it off. i found a concave rock to put seeds in that seems to help, your baby looks trimmed. since trimmer perches can be bought, why not trimmer dishes? so in hoping it get's invented, i ask people with birds that are beaky if they've come across any.
oddmary 3 months ago
@oddmary I've tried cuttlebones and trimmer perches and Beakie won't go near them. I never heard of a trimmer dish, but I'm sure she wouldn't go near that, either!
elfperson1 3 months ago
did he say 'speak precious bird'??!!!
mihika 3 months ago
@mihika she said "sweet precious bird!"
elfperson1 3 months ago
do they make dishes from rock? good trimmer?
oddmary 3 months ago
@oddmary So sorry, but I don't understand your questions. Would you mind clarifying, please?
elfperson1 3 months ago
Wow! I'd always known that starlings were smart but I had no idea that they could talk! We've got loads of 'em around my home and I love how cheeky and utterly engaging they are... I could spend hours watching and taking photos of 'em.
Loshia2002 4 months ago
@Loshia2002 I love your word "cheeky" for starlings! That's so apt. I also love "feisty." They are the BEST! Funny, too! Thanks so much for your comments--Beakie says thank you, too!
elfperson1 4 months ago
I can hear it say Gotcha! and precious bird after watching the other video. :) I was intrigued earlier having a debate about music and remembered Mozart having a starling as a pet and remarking on it's beautiful songs and became intrigued as to their abilities. I find myself enamored with these birds now along with the abilities and intellect of ravens! Thank you for the video and being a caring and inspired owner/rescuer.
tindragonusa 5 months ago
@tindragonusa Thanks for your comments! Yes, starlings are the BEST! They're the smartest, funniest, most endearing, and talented birds ever! And Beakie thanks you for your interest.
elfperson1 5 months ago
Is he or you singing this waltz of johann Strauss.If he it would be sensationell.Tell me! thanks!!
xylfox 5 months ago
@xylfox that's Beakie whistling Strauss. She also whistles the theme to the first movement of Beethoven's sixth symphony, Brahms' lullably, some snipppets of Wagner and some little tunes we made up. She really is sensational, wow! Thank you too!
elfperson1 5 months ago
@elfperson1 Absolute amazing!!! Please post her other pieces.
xylfox 5 months ago
@elfperson1 You can see Beakie's other performances by going to my list of videos--just go to Elfperson1. You'll see Beakie and one of my cats. Thanks--Beakie loves her fans!
elfperson1 5 months ago
Love that giant beak!!!
walk4trot2canter3 6 months ago
@walk4trot2canter3 Glad you like it, but in that video it was in desperate need of a clipping!
elfperson1 6 months ago
balling my eyes out! :(
nothadnotbad 7 months ago
@nothadnotbad Why?
elfperson1 7 months ago
@elfperson1 cause i have a baby starling...not quite the same as this one and im scared he will leave me before he gets to know me. and i dont want to cage him.
nothadnotbad 7 months ago
@nothadnotbad I know how heartbreaking that separation can be. I just hand-fed and brought up three baby starlings, and then sent them for a soft release (in a large but screened space with a small flock of starlings, where they learn how to forage for food and to socialize) prior to being released to the wild. I have been so sad since they left me. I'll never bring up a baby starling again unless I intend to keep it! Good luck--sounds like you're letting the bird decide what to do...
elfperson1 7 months ago
omg...his peak is way too long...! ;/ poor bird
namasterchoma 9 months ago
@namasterchoma Oh please don't worry. Does she seem like an unhappy, maltreated bird? This was obviously just before I shortened her beak. Starlings do not use a cuttle bone like parrots do; she can't forage in the grass for bugs and worms indoors, so her beak doesn't stay as trim as it would outside. I need to clip her toenails periodically as well. She's fine.
elfperson1 9 months ago
@elfperson1 Funny thing is that i clearly see that you have shortened his peak and its still look too long. But maybe you really know best ;)
namasterchoma 9 months ago
@namasterchoma She HATES having her beak shortened, so I usually chicken out and procrastinate, and it gets too long. Then, i'm afraid I will cut it too short and make her bleed--i did that once when she was very young--so i just take off a little. you are right, however--it's much too long in this video!
elfperson1 9 months ago
@elfperson1
Yeah, i used to have cockatiels and i know what kind of "show" they start when you tried to cut their peaks...I dunno about starlings but i guess its pretty much same fight :P But this bird seems to be happy, singing ect. Apparently you take good care of her and thats main thing :)
namasterchoma 9 months ago
My starling Indy came over to listen :) His musical repertoire is nowhere near that good, but he has a wide range of words.
CapnBlackbird 10 months ago
@CapnBlackbird Beakie and I great you and Indy! what words does he say? Also--my kitties are named Bunny Blackbird and Lily Blackbird!
elfperson1 10 months ago
@elfperson1
"Kiss kiss", "Where's my kiss?" "Whatcha doin'?" "Pirate face" (we nickname the starlings here pirates because of the way they come in huge numbers and take all the food ;) ), "Morning, kids!", "Chup" (What we say to our sparrow) and he does a great impression of my other half's laugh.
CapnBlackbird 10 months ago
Good job! 'Die Fledermaus' Overture at the begining & Beethoven's 6th at the end.
DhinCardoso 10 months ago 7
@DhinCardoso Ah, you are a music lover! Thanks for recognizing Beakie's repertoire--we are very proud of her classical music education!
elfperson1 10 months ago
Sweet bird!
javakogan 11 months ago
@javakogan Thanks! As she says, "sweet bird, sweet precious bird!"
elfperson1 11 months ago
So, you turned him into a bird from a Disney Princess Movie!
silverhawkflash 1 year ago
@silverhawkflash ?????I have no idea what this means.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 I mean that bird sound exactly like a singing bird from one of those old Disney movies, like Snow White, or Sleeping Beauty.
silverhawkflash 1 year ago
@silverhawkflash thanks for clarifying!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 No problem!
silverhawkflash 1 year ago
What is the music in the background please? Or maybe Beakie is also ventriloquist! lol
SirFrancisBurton 1 year ago
@SirFrancisBurton I wouldn't be surprised if she were a ventriloquist! I don't recognize that music, which means it's the radio and not a CD I chose myself...so sorry!
elfperson1 1 year ago
awesome bird, same family as mynah birds
abluechipstock 1 year ago
@abluechipstock Yes, and even better mimics than mynahs, in my experience.
elfperson1 1 year ago
You know, I was thinking about how we could have just been using our domestic birds instead of importing them. Who Knew?
Watched other starlings & am just so impressed with their little Personalities!
Love the awareness, I see it could really do a great deal of good. Thank you...0=)
913spiffy 1 year ago
@913spiffy Starlings were imported by some guy who decided to bring over all the birds that are named in the plays of Shakespeare. Crazy. So he brought some starlings, and they're so intelligent, hardy and feisty, they took over! They've thrived, to the point of competing with other native species of birds, which makes people regard them as vermin. Because they are "vermin," it is not illegal to have one as a pet, as it is for other birds! I adore my little "vermin!"
elfperson1 1 year ago
How CUTE is This Bird? A Starling? I Had NO IDEA they could Sing like this! 0=)
913spiffy 1 year ago
@913spiffy Nor did I! When started doing this, we were soooo surprised and delighted!
elfperson1 1 year ago
May I ask how you got him? I want one very bad, and just got informed that the birds tha i have in my shed all summer are Starlings! Would it be cruel to the mother if I take a baby?
.. Now please dont juge me for being '' cruel '' to nature, if im asking its because I care about them. thanks
jojomoor 1 year ago
@jojomoor Hello--I found Beakie abandoned as a baby on the sidewalk in midtown Manhattan, New York. It would be cruel to both the mother and the baby to take the baby away, even if you took excellent care of him or her. The little bird would not have an opportunity to have a real life as a bird. If you go on line, you will find sites such as Starling Talk where people post notices that homes are needed for abandoned, motherless birds; it would be much better to adopt one of those.
elfperson1 1 year ago 3
@elfperson1 I am a bird person and I want a crow but that isn't legal so I will look at starling Talk and see if I can adopt a chick. Thanks for the information that this is a possibility!
birdmanphil4 1 year ago
@birdmanphil4 During the spring, many baby starlings lose their mothers and nests through accidents, storms, human intervention, etc. If these conditions are present, it's fine to adopt a starling. Starling Talk also has good information about nourishment, care, housing, etc. for starlings. Be aware it's an enormous commitment to adopt a baby bird. They require a great deal of attention, care and socializing. Don't adopt if you are reluctant to commit to this!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@jojomoor If you care about them, which I see that you do, it would be much more caring to allow the baby starlings in your shed to have a normal bird life, and to adopt a bird that needs a home. As humans, we may think we're making it better for the birds to bring them indoors and make them pets, but that's not what's really best for the birds, who need to be birds, not pets.
elfperson1 1 year ago
I wish starry would have such a varied diet...I wouldn't know where to start. If I cartch insects I feed them to her.
pupshoo 1 year ago
@pupshoo Just give him bananas, apples, pears, any other fruit but avocado, and see what he likes. You can feed him what you eat, as long as it's not avocado or chocolate. But his staple should be something very high in protein, like mashed soaked dry kitten food etc.--you can get a real recipe on Starling Talk.com. Or buy wax worms in Petland or on line--some places have very fresh ones.
elfperson1 1 year ago
It's like he came out of an old B&W cartoon
sompret 1 year ago
I like how you think of the screech as exuberant...we're being scolded like...feed me...There's poop in my water... take me to my big bath...I NEED NEW BANANA!..... I'm trying to get her to skip the screech and just say come on, but there is no convincing a starling.
pupshoo 1 year ago
@pupshoo Wow, your guy is a real communicator! Beakie let's me know what she needs, too, though she must think sometimes I'm pretty stupid (why can't I figure out she'd like some hard-boiled egg?). You are so right--there is no convincing a starling. They tend not to be reasonable!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 I make a mush of ground dry catfood, egg yolk and applesauce for my starling. It is her main food. Then she has some fine ground dry catfood on the side to snack on and a piece of banana to pick on all day. She likes pastry bread and cookies too. we only give her spring water. Pampered pet? You bet!
pupshoo 1 year ago
@pupshoo I brought Beakie up on mashed, soaked dry kitten food, mashed egg yolk, calcium powder, and birdie vitamin. As an adult, she eats wax worms, a mixture of brown rice, cooked eggs, sunflower oil, and vitamin, plus apples, pears, lettuce, and pretty much anything we eat except chocolate and avocado, of course. Her big treat is cheesecake! Don't we love our pampered pets?
elfperson1 1 year ago
does your starling do the starling screech? Mine has a predictable line up of sounds and whistles leading up to it. If I ignore her she says 'come on, come on' until you check o see what she wants. Is your starling that demanding?
pupshoo 1 year ago
@pupshoo Your starling does that, too? Yes! It sounds like absolute and utter exuberance, at the end of a long line of whistling, chatter, and general high spirits. Beakie says "come on, come on," also, especially when she thinks i'm taking too long preparing her food (which means, sharing my food with her). When she just wants to talk, she gives out the first, upward phrase of the wolf whistle or another tune, and I'm supposed to respond with the second phrase. Aren't they smart? Wow.
elfperson1 1 year ago
I had no idea that Starlings were capable of this.
HelloThar9 1 year ago
@HelloThar9 Nor did I. We were amazed!
elfperson1 1 year ago
I have a starling and The vet started trimming his beak with a dremmel tool , It makes it easier for her to eat and drink... Now I do it myself..Beak looks like she could use a trim...Starlings beaks grow like fingernails..... our bird willnot use a cuttlebone so we trim
pupshoo 1 year ago
@pupshoo Oh yes, the trimming of beak and nails. In this video, obviously she's overdue for a beak-trim. I've done it often, though she hates it. She would never touch a cuttlebone either!
elfperson1 1 year ago
Starlings come from Russia. this one's migrated all the way from Starlingrad.
KairuHakubi 1 year ago
@KairuHakubi Actually, as far as I know, the starlings here in the US were brought over from England by someone who wanted the US to have all the birds named in the plays of Shakespeare. This is why I have given Beakie a classical education.
elfperson1 1 year ago
this reminds me of a disney movie :D
Animaedi 1 year ago
I wanna teach a Starling to beatbox.
Jomachri 1 year ago
was he singing Beethoven's 6th?!!!!!!
jeffamarie 1 year ago 15
@jeffamarie Yes!
elfperson1 1 year ago
cool, so my starling isnt the only one that doesnt like fingers
warpvolta22 1 year ago
Doesn't seem to like your hand too much though, lol!
gr8fzy1 1 year ago
@gr8fzy1
I like to think she shows her love in strange ways.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 lol
gr8fzy1 1 year ago
Wow i never knew a bird could sing like that before lol :)
mytruelover1357 1 year ago
@mytruelover1357 We were shocked and delighted when she started to do this stuff--we didn't know either!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 Starlings are mimic birds, like parrots, but Starling use learned sound to compose there own bird song. They even learn human voices
ShadowriverUB 1 year ago
@elfperson1 My friends tell me that Beakie sounds exactly like me.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@mytruelover1357 Neither did we! what a happy surprise!
elfperson1 1 year ago
Gotcha! =)
Voinar010 1 year ago
@Voinar010 You got it!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@ElectricPenguin77 No, but she can say "i think it's time for a little bird to go to sleep."
elfperson1 1 year ago
That is absolutely lovely! What personality ehehehe. can watch them sing and chat all day :-)
brooklynlulu 1 year ago
@brooklynlulu Thanks so much! it's true, starlings have more personality than any other kind of bird I know...
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 I never knew it before, in my last apartment, they were all living in my Attick lol. Imagine them all learning to say, Lulu, feed me, like a hundred of them at the same time!! lol.
brooklynlulu 1 year ago
@brooklynlulu I know. i have fantasies of getting a second starling, and then they'll both be screaming "it's okay, you're safe," and "i love you" and "I think it's time for a little bird to go to sleep" all day long...
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 There is a vid of two Indian Ringneck birds that talk to each other and repeat what each other is saying, it's pretty funny. check it out lol , it's talking parrots, by kingtutone. it's really adorable!! they kiss each others heads and talk to a cell phone as well ehehe. Let me know if you find it. but yeah, I can see it hard not getting more birds for the family :-)
brooklynlulu 1 year ago
@GilaTomster I am delighted that she stayed to live with us, but if you take in a baby starling, you have no choice, really. they become domesticated almost instantly, and when they do they can no longer fend for themselves outdoors. I agree completely, they are beautiful, intelligent--and funny!!!!
elfperson1 1 year ago
How did you teach her ???
Just playing music to it ?
Akhin 1 year ago
@Akhin I just whistle, and she picks it up!!!
elfperson1 1 year ago
queeeeeeee que amor
Akhin 1 year ago
Did you clip her beak?
skygarden 1 year ago
@skygarden I do have to clip it on occasion. in this video clip, it's really too long. I hate doing it because i'm afraid i'll hurt her, though I haven't.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@elfperson1 most vets are happy to trim beaks, and toenails, which she is definately in need of.
Oreocremerocks 1 year ago
@Oreocremerocks Yes, of course. We have a vet who pays house calls when needed. Because this is costly, I do her beak and nails myself. Since i made this video, I have trimmed her beak and nails any number of times. Not to worry!
elfperson1 1 year ago
Wow!! This starling is a prodigy
aztiff 1 year ago
@aztiff I know! She never ceases to amaze me with her talent and intelligence.
Thank you!
elfperson1 1 year ago
Good job! If you're going to teach a starling to mimic anything, at least teach it the classics. This is a lot better than some of the others I've seen that just repeat their name over and over, and make kissy-noises.
The Starlings outside my apartment unfortunately learned dog barks and the sound of children screaming from the playground next door. That's really fun to hear all day.
ZeroCorpse 1 year ago
@ZeroCorpse Thanks for the Bravos. I'm an extremely good whistler (it's my main musical talent), so it's natural for me to whistle the music I love. Beakie picked it up very quickly! She has in her repertoire Beethoven, Johann Strauss, Wagner, Brahms and Schubert. Not bad for a street bird!
Maybe you should angle a speaker out your window playing some beautiful music--who knows? Those starlings might pick it up!
elfperson1 1 year ago
that was a classical song that it was singing right? what is the name of that song? it sounds so familliar
TheVronkz 1 year ago
Not a song, exactly--she's whistling the theme of the first movement of Beethoven's Sixth Symphony (the Pastorale), and also part of a Johann Strauss waltz. She's awesome! We thank you for listening.
elfperson1 1 year ago
We rescued an adult from a case of weather exposure, kept her overnight. Our Vinny showed much interest in her. She recovered quickly, and required a perch to be installed in her hospital cage. The next morning, she left her cage and flew around the garage, she wasn't fearful of us, but made it clear contact was off limits. So we opened the door and showed her. She perched on the inside door, checked outside, gave Vinny a nod, and off she took!
dmcenery2 2 years ago
Congratulations to all of you! You did a real service to the starling world. Is your Vinny a starling, too?
elfperson1 2 years ago
Yes, he has 2 videos of bathtime, one is actually only preening. He doesn't talk in the video. But he does talk and sing for us.
dmcenery2 2 years ago
About the beak and nails: I tried getting a cuttlebone, and those sandpaper covers to put on her perches. She wouldn't go near the cuttlebone, and wouldn't use the perches with the sandpaper. Oh well. She's gotten used to having her beak and claws clipped, though she really doesn't like it.
elfperson1 2 years ago
The perch we got is ALL abrasive not just a cover. They can be funny about what they accept. i.e. Vinny won't accept any other bathtub, even though it's a bit small for him.
dmcenery2 2 years ago
When Beak was a baby, she liked to take baths with me in the tub! She likes baths in pie plates, her water dish, the cat's water dish...
elfperson1 2 years ago
hello, how do you tame a starling? did you have it from baby size?
StopFear 2 years ago
You have to be lucky enough to find a baby starling who needs rescuing. After that, if you interact with the bird, handle it, feed it, and take good care of it, it will bond to you very quickly. Starlings become domesticated very quickly; they are extremely social and intelligent birds, and they become part of your "flock--"or maybe you become part of the bird's flock!
An adult bird probably would not bond to you, but i have no experience adopting adult birds, only babies...
elfperson1 2 years ago
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2oldstyle55 2 years ago
You really must cut their beaks when they're in captivity. Outside, their constant foraging for food wears the beak down naturally, but when they're inside, the beak grows longer and longer, making it difficult for them to grasp food, and eventually it gets very thin and weak and breaks off. Sometimes, only the upper or lower part will break, and that really makes eating impossible. So--yes, I clip her beak periodically, and it's worked fine for her for twelve plus years!
elfperson1 2 years ago
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2oldstyle55 2 years ago
We got Vinny a special perch that is very rough like industrial grade sand paper, it's lightweight, there are also concrete ones. He also gets a cuttlebone. He was so traumatized by toenail maintenance..He does his own beak now and toenails stay pretty good..Now and again we have to clip...He still hates it.
dmcenery2 2 years ago
Part of taking care of birds is attending to their grooming when they cannot. Starlings don't use cuttlebones and won't use gravely perches to trim their nails. if the beak and nails get too long, bad things happen: you must trim them both periodically. It does not hurt the bird, if you know how to do it properly; don't them too short, as that will make them bleed. i have gotten much expert advice on the care of this bird over the last twelve years, and we have been very successful.-
elfperson1 2 years ago
She's adorable, I never would have thought that starlings could whistle. What kind of starling is she?
Xgamer7755 2 years ago
eurpean starling :) i have the same kind nammed yoshi :)
lucybuffallo 2 years ago
Thabnks! Starlings are excellent mimics, and can make all sorts of sounds. My Beakie is highly educated, being a domesticated birdie, so she whistles classical music, as I do. She's a European Starling.
elfperson1 2 years ago
what's her name?
Xgamer7755 2 years ago
Beakstein!
elfperson1 2 years ago
The Starling whistle makes you happy! :)
niburu2012 2 years ago
you bet!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Hehe, im raising two baby starlings at the moment.
the first one (Lightning) was only a day old or less when i got him (parents died in electrical box, other eggs didnt hatch and were cold, miracle hes still alive) he is now almost fledgling, and hes going to be a pet.
the other baby starling i have has a broken leg, she was also very young when i got her, and vets say the legs broken, but it broke in the egg, or durring hatching, they cannot fix it. she was kicked out of the nest.
so yay.
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
Double yay! Congratulations to you--you're doing such a great and difficult thing! I know how much work it took to raise one starling, and you have two! How old are they now? I'm afraid you're going to have two pets--if the baby with the broken leg stays healthy and her leg heals, she'll be way too attached to you ever to release into the wild. They become domesticated in two seconds and then they can't survive out there. Let me know how they are! and how are you--exhausted?
elfperson1 2 years ago
Hehe, Last year, i had Four starlings at once, and 2 black birds. the starlings with little contact, bonded with eachother instead of me, and still visit me occasionaly. One of my friends, has fallen inlove with Lightning, and Zii will be going to another friend of mine, both bird owners with Big cages.
But yeah, i do volentary ork for the SPCA so i hand raise birdies.
And starlings are just one of my fave birds, they have a great personality ^~^.
RatLove
<":3)~~~
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
thank you for all you've done for starlings! Yay!!!
elfperson1 2 years ago
No problem.
hehe.
its hard not to love these inquisitive birds.
RatLove
<":3)~~~
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
WOW O_O
oulietas 2 years ago
My sentiments exactly, even after years of hearing her! Thank you!
elfperson1 2 years ago
amazing i have a cockatiel but she doesn't talk like urs is amazing ^_^
oulietas 2 years ago
Thanks! I know she's amazing--starlings are incredible mimics, but of course I think my Beakie is the best of the best!
elfperson1 2 years ago
what kind of bird is this?
oulietas 2 years ago
well--as in the title--a Starling!
elfperson1 2 years ago
oh i c
it was wild when u get it right?
oulietas 2 years ago
She was a baby, about two weeks old, lost and bewildered on the sidewalk in the middle of New York City.
elfperson1 2 years ago
oh ok because those kind of specie is dying if they aren't wild
oulietas 2 years ago
I don't quite know what you mean. Starlings are very feisty and strong birds, and can survive well in the wild or when domesticated. They're also extremely intelligent.
elfperson1 2 years ago
i mean their nature is to be wild right?
oulietas 2 years ago
Yes, Starlings are wild birds, but they become attached to people and domesticated very easily, if they're rescued young.
elfperson1 2 years ago
i c that's good thing i saw one starling today they cute but they fear easily the people
oulietas 2 years ago
if they're adults and have never been domesticated, yes, they're afraid of people. If they're domesticated, they seem to think people are their flock!
elfperson1 2 years ago
yea um... those starlings are not native to north or south america... just an fyi. haha starlings are amazing mimics. i love them personally... but i do not like the ones living wild in the americas, as they are highly aggressive in competing for nests and usually always win. they destroy the nests, kill the parents, chicks (if the parents are adamant in staying still) and kick out the eggs just to move in.
pahkwesikan1 2 years ago
Thanks so much, Karen--I appreciate your kindness, too! And let me know if you need any more starling help.
--Deborah
elfperson1 2 years ago
I'm sure there are lots of starlings in Florida--go look--i promise you a good time!
I don't mind your referencing me, but i'm not sure your teacher will think I'm a legitimate reference!
good luck on your report!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Thanks again! :)
P.S.: I'm going to use your advice for an input from a person who has a starling. :)
-Karen
Naminefan14 2 years ago
Hi! Awesome video. :) I'm doing Starling's for a sience project. Can you tell me wht their behavior is kind of like? Thanks.
Naminefan14 2 years ago
Glad you like the video. (the plural "starlings" takes no apostrophe, by the way! Sorry. ) Anyway--they are aggressive, smart, and very comical birds. Do you live in a city, or near one? If so, your best best is to go watch some starlings--you will quickly learn what they are like! They're all over the place, very common birds in large numbers.
elfperson1 2 years ago
Thank you very much! :) I live in Florida. Do you mind if I say that I referenced you for my report?
Naminefan14 2 years ago
I'm so curious about Starlings as pets, how long do they typically live? It's unreal how well they use their voices. Wonderful stuff :>
RubyTheTart 2 years ago
My Beakie is 12, and i know of another domesticated Starling who was 20 when my vet told me about the bird! in the wild, they have been banded in some research and found to live between 9 and 20 years. they're amazing!
elfperson1 2 years ago
That is really incredible! I had no idea little birds lived so long. I hope you have your Beakie for many many happy years to come. :>
RubyTheTart 2 years ago
Thanks so much for your good wishes!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Can you make sing "Spoon full of Medicine"
SONICSATAMJAMER77 2 years ago
I meant Spoon full of Sugar
SONICSATAMJAMER77 2 years ago
Wonderful character. Thanbks alot!
Caspar33 2 years ago
oh, she's a character, all right! Thanksk for watching, and listening.
elfperson1 2 years ago
Just threw a little vid together of Barnabus and Jack. Thankfully, the "tube" allowed me another upload. Hope ya like it!
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
Thanks for telling me about your video! I'm going out of town and will watch it from the woods on my vacation! I look forward to seeing your babies.
elfperson1 2 years ago
:( Unfortunately, "the Tube" has removed my music. I will have to find something that is okay and fits. Enjoy your vacation!
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
i will post a vid of my little guy as soon as i get some batteries! :)
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
looking forward to it!
elfperson1 2 years ago
I finally got my vid posted. check it out if you want. It's just me hand feeding Barnabus and his brothers. :)
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
I tried leaving you a comment on your video, but YouTube wouldn't let me! It was sweet to see you feeding those babies--so sad that three of them died. You must have been heartbroken.
I fed Beakie dried kitten food, soaked in hot water till soft, with added mashed hard-boiled egg yolk, calcium powder, and avian vitamin. She thrived!
I'd love to see a video of Barnabus!
elfperson1 2 years ago
I definitely will be keeping in touch with you on Barnabus. I just wish that there was something I could've done to save his little siblings. I believe it was pneumonia from food inhalation that caused their death. Barnabus does enjoy watching your videos while he's playing on my computer! :)
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
Poor babies. if it was pneumonia, they'd have had to have antibiotics, and if they were very young, they might not have made it anyway. How did they inhale food? I've never heard that. I know you're not supposed to give them water until they're older, because they aspirate it, but inhaling food? Strange. And sad.
Barnabas is a lucky bird, and Beakie says hi--she is delighted that Barnabas likes her videos. She loves being a star!
Stay in touch if you need any help...
elfperson1 2 years ago
The retired Audobon friend of mine had told me years ago to add some water to wet dog food and feed them. I think they got it in their windpipes and yes, aspirated on it. Unfortunately, being wild birds- they seemed to hide that there was trouble 'til it was too late. I have some feeding videos of them I was fortunate enough to take, but you tube is causing me grief. :(
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
Love your Starling! She's over 10 yrs old?! wow. Good Job. (my 1st only lived to be 1 1/2 yrs.) I kept going on and on this spring about how much I missed him... now I have another that a friend gave me to raise& release. He has become VERY attached and rides about on top of my head the whole time I'm with him. I don't think he wants to go anywhere else. Good luck with your girl! I hope to have that same luck with my Barnabus! :)
josbrighteststar 2 years ago
Thanks, i love her too! She's 12. i'm convinced that n