Very cute! We have a pet starling. He is almost a year old now. He is our little clown! Always being silly and naughty and generally making us laugh. He is a much better whistler of tunes than talker, although he does say a few things. Like your bird, ours hates to have his beak filed. I trim it with a pair of clippers, but unlike most starlings he will actually use a cuttlebone--just not often enough to eliminate trimming.
A long and happy life to Beaker! He is a lucky fella!
@HayleyMch They are clowns, aren't they? Beakie can always make us laugh. No matter what kind of bad mood we're in, she brightens our lives. Great to hear you have a whistler too--they are so talented. You're lucky about the cuttlebone--Beakie would never touch one. What's your starling's name!
And a long and happy life to your lucky birdie, too!
@elfperson1 His name is Lolly. I actually have tons of videos of him (and my kids) on Youtube. I love going back and watching the older videos and seeing how much he has changed in behavior. They are remarkable creatures. Never appreciated them before I had one of my own. ♥
@elfperson1 Aw! That's sweet! Just click on my name below (HayleyMch) and it will send you to my "channel". I've now recorded what seems like hundreds of hours of video of Lolly, but he rarely talks when you're paying attention to him. I can't believe how Beakie just performs on cue! Lolly gets like Cindy Brady on a quiz show. LOL!
why, oh why are you cutting the end of her poor beak off???? I have pet starlings, that I got in as a rehabber, and there is no reason in the world to clip the end of the beak off! is so cruel to do that!
@petmomofmany Actually, it doesn't hurt them at all. It's like cutting off a nail above the quick; as long as you are careful not to cut too low, it doesn't hurt. If you don't clip the beak, it just grows and grows, as starlings will not use a cuttlebone to file down the beak's overgrowth; eventually, they cannot pick up their food and will starve, because the beak has become non-functional. It's horrible if either the upper or lower part breaks off; then you have no pincers movement at all.
@petmomofmany So--you are mistaken in assuming that it's cruel to clip the beak. It's actually cruel not to do it. some rehabbers prefer to file the beak, but my Beakie hates to be held for that long, so I just give her a quick clip and it's done. It's worked for her for 14 years!
@realviews1 Thanks, but that isn't a cell phone, just a cordless. Also, she doesn't hang out on the phone for very long--she's too busy with Bird Things.
Hehe, im raising two starling atm (Lightning (parents died in electrical box) and Zii (short for Zorro, who was kicked out of her nest and has a huge gash on her back in the shape of a Z and has a bend leg) I LOVE starlings, these two are gonna be pets, as i love them sooo much, i will not keep them, but close friends of mine will be.
Ive raised starlings before (and many other birds) and released them. but these two were less than a day old when i got them. and have bonded with me. and people
aha, here is more info your other comment didn't have--so you've found a good home for them--that's great! even though they require so much work, we get paid back a millionfold--they're such terrific pets! Thank you so much for saving these two lucky guys and all the others you've saved.
Another similar bird, and equally talented is the Mynah, which is a close relative of a starling, they should get along, and i'm pretty sure they talk too ^~^
I'd feed them cat meat blended with hard boiled egg, just what i do with the starlings.
Use a small syringe to feed them.
Which im sure you already know. ^~^ possibly, different people use different techniques
yes, i knew about the Mynah connection. I had a Mynah when i was a kid, but it didn't talk nearly as well as Beakie does! I gave her dried, soaked kitten food mixed with egg yolk, calcium powder, and avian vitamin when she was a baby, but she wouldn't take it unless i stuck my finger in her little craw--very bonding! then she refused the baby food and insisted on wax worms and whatever I was eating! so much fun!
Oh, yes of corse. i add in calcium supplements too.
hehe ^~^
Aww. they sound lovely as a pet. but i wont be keeping them. my friends are, its just because i will be getting rats (hopfully) and i dont have enough room or time for starlings and rats. hehe.
But i will still raise them, and see them almost every week. it will be worth it. PLUS it will make my friends happy.
yes, i really lucked out. if you do find one, you must find out if the mother bird is still taking care of it--if so, don't take it away. We only take them if they're truly abandoned...sometimes Starling Talk web site has starlings who need homes, check it out!
Wow, is that the right key? She's imitating my whistling of the symphony. I don't have perfect pitch, but i wouldn't put it past her to correct my pitch when she sings it! She's perfect in all else, why not that?
If the bird is nesting nearby, there's no need to adopt it, obviously. But if it is hurt or lost...the best news would be that the bird is well and healthy...but let me know if you need me.
Thanks; after I posted the question I read your description. My friend, who lives in India, thinks that she has discovered one living outside of her office building. So if you found Beakie in midtown Manhattan, it is believable that my friend has found a distant cousin of Beakie's living in her city.
Oh, yes, it's perfectly plausible. Starlings are amazingly adaptable birds, and do quite well in city settings. Has your friend adopted the bird, or is she just watching it from afar? If she or she needs any help raising or caring for a starling, I'm available for consultation!
Hi! Yes, it is the Pastorale, and i'm so happy that you identified the theme! it's the first movement of the symphony. She is, indeed, talented and beautiful, and beloved. Thanks for your comment!
These birds are fantastic! I didn't even know about their mimicking abilities until I read about them in a book about a month ago. Do they talk both night and day? Beakie sure is a talented bird. Thank you for sharing.
Beakie sometimes sings in the middle of the night! Not often, but it's adorable--when I look in on her (I cover her cage, leaving an opening where she can look out), she has her head tucked into her feathers, and she seems to be singing in her sleep!
I love how her feathers poke out on her little throat when she sings! That is so neat! All of the whistles and clicks she does is really nice. You guys are so lucky to have each other! thanks for sharing with us!
Beakie and I thank you for your compliment! Starlings really are amazing--talented, intelligent, funny, and affectionate! People are always surprised to hear about the affectionate part. Beakie loves to cuddle, and last night wouldn't go to her cage; she just wanted to hang out late getting stroked and tickled while I read! Sweet birds--they are true blessings.
I can't get enough of her either. Even after 11+ years, I stare at her in disbelief when she gets going with her whistling and chattering. Sometimes she goes on and on hilariously for minutes at a time--except when I want to film her!
Kasia--it's amazing that you can handle so many starlings! I would love to have more. Beakie would teach them all her songs and sentences, and I'd go happpily crazy listening to them all day long. Where did you find yours? I found Beak on the sidewalk in midtown Manhattan!
Kasia, just re-read your email and see you got your babies from Jackie at Starling Talk. Maybe I'll make myself available to her and become a new Starling Mom...
Beakie is so adorable! Are you also a member of Starling Talk? I've been a member for 4 years now and started out with just one starling and now I have 4. Have you seen any of my videos?
thanks for your compliments, and Beakie thanks you too! No, i'm not a member of Starling Talk, but I'll look into it! I'll check out your videos soon (off to work!).
How did you get 4 starlings? I was so lucky to find one...did you just luck out?
I found my first starling, Malutka, in 2004. She was a naked pink little blob, blind and helpless. I didn't know for a month what kind of bird I had, then I found Starling Talk. My other 3 were posted by Jackie, who runs Starling Talk, they needed new homes, and they were close to me, so I adopted Damar and Dukot, brother and sister, and then a year later Pom-Pom. We have an adoption forum for starlings that need forever homes.
Usually they just pick up whatever they thing sounds the most appealing. I have 4 starlings and they all talk and mimic my laughter, sneezes, coughing, etc. You're welcome to see them, I have several videos posted here as well.
My Beakie picked things up really quickly. I didn't know I was saying things to her repeatedly until she started saying them back to me! I don't feel like I've "trained" her--she's just taught herself how to say the things that she hears or likes most! She's a genius bird.
You got the composer right, but it's the 6th, the Pastorale, not the 9th. She also whistles bits of a Schubert impromptu, a Johann Strauss waltz, a Wagner opera (Siegfried), and the Brahms lullaby. She's amazing.
Awww! He's so sweet!
furtherbeyond 4 months ago 2
@furtherbeyond Beakie thanks you kindly! She appreciates compliments!
elfperson1 4 months ago
@elfperson1 Sorry I called her a he.
furtherbeyond 4 months ago
@furtherbeyond no problem! I actually don't know what his/her gender is--never had her poop dna-tested!
elfperson1 4 months ago
beakie is cutee
altosaxophoneist203 5 months ago
@altosaxophoneist203 Beakie thanks you!
elfperson1 5 months ago
Damn, what a great whistle!
Elainey2005 5 months ago
@Elainey2005 Beakie thanks you!
elfperson1 5 months ago
Beethoven would have been proud
aviadpi 7 months ago
Very cute! We have a pet starling. He is almost a year old now. He is our little clown! Always being silly and naughty and generally making us laugh. He is a much better whistler of tunes than talker, although he does say a few things. Like your bird, ours hates to have his beak filed. I trim it with a pair of clippers, but unlike most starlings he will actually use a cuttlebone--just not often enough to eliminate trimming.
A long and happy life to Beaker! He is a lucky fella!
HayleyMch 11 months ago
@HayleyMch They are clowns, aren't they? Beakie can always make us laugh. No matter what kind of bad mood we're in, she brightens our lives. Great to hear you have a whistler too--they are so talented. You're lucky about the cuttlebone--Beakie would never touch one. What's your starling's name!
And a long and happy life to your lucky birdie, too!
elfperson1 11 months ago
@elfperson1 His name is Lolly. I actually have tons of videos of him (and my kids) on Youtube. I love going back and watching the older videos and seeing how much he has changed in behavior. They are remarkable creatures. Never appreciated them before I had one of my own. ♥
HayleyMch 11 months ago
@HayleyMch Greetings to Lolly, from me and Beakie! How can I find his videos? I'd love to see him!
elfperson1 11 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
@elfperson1 Aw! That's sweet! Just click on my name below (HayleyMch) and it will send you to my "channel". I've now recorded what seems like hundreds of hours of video of Lolly, but he rarely talks when you're paying attention to him. I can't believe how Beakie just performs on cue! Lolly gets like Cindy Brady on a quiz show. LOL!
HayleyMch 10 months ago
Sweet!
javakogan 1 year ago
@javakogan Beakie thanks you!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@javakogan Beakie thanks you!
elfperson1 1 year ago
why, oh why are you cutting the end of her poor beak off???? I have pet starlings, that I got in as a rehabber, and there is no reason in the world to clip the end of the beak off! is so cruel to do that!
petmomofmany 1 year ago
@petmomofmany Actually, it doesn't hurt them at all. It's like cutting off a nail above the quick; as long as you are careful not to cut too low, it doesn't hurt. If you don't clip the beak, it just grows and grows, as starlings will not use a cuttlebone to file down the beak's overgrowth; eventually, they cannot pick up their food and will starve, because the beak has become non-functional. It's horrible if either the upper or lower part breaks off; then you have no pincers movement at all.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@petmomofmany So--you are mistaken in assuming that it's cruel to clip the beak. It's actually cruel not to do it. some rehabbers prefer to file the beak, but my Beakie hates to be held for that long, so I just give her a quick clip and it's done. It's worked for her for 14 years!
elfperson1 1 year ago
im willing to pay 10 thousand dollars for that bird, this is not a joke
cervixpunch 1 year ago
@cervixpunch Ah, thank you, but she is my beloved, and is not for sale, for any price.
elfperson1 1 year ago
love him!
graiypz 1 year ago
@graiypz Thanks! Me, too!
elfperson1 1 year ago
lol :D omg i want ur bird
emopixie12358able 1 year ago
@emopixie12358able
oh yeah! I don't blame you!
elfperson1 1 year ago
Oh soooo cute!! what a cutie pie you have.
check out cat and crow are freinds video.
birds are smart and loving too.
butterfly50119 1 year ago
aww, did Beakie speak for a second? saying Precious bird? I love your bird lol.
brooklynlulu 1 year ago
@brooklynlulu
elfperson1 1 year ago
@brooklynlulu Yes! She says "sweet bird, sweet precious bird!" she says lots of other things too!
elfperson1 1 year ago
@realviews1 What happened to the birds because of cell phones? I can't imagine birds hanging out with their ears pressed to the phones all day.
elfperson1 1 year ago
@realviews1 Thanks, but that isn't a cell phone, just a cordless. Also, she doesn't hang out on the phone for very long--she's too busy with Bird Things.
elfperson1 1 year ago
Hehe, im raising two starling atm (Lightning (parents died in electrical box) and Zii (short for Zorro, who was kicked out of her nest and has a huge gash on her back in the shape of a Z and has a bend leg) I LOVE starlings, these two are gonna be pets, as i love them sooo much, i will not keep them, but close friends of mine will be.
Ive raised starlings before (and many other birds) and released them. but these two were less than a day old when i got them. and have bonded with me. and people
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
aha, here is more info your other comment didn't have--so you've found a good home for them--that's great! even though they require so much work, we get paid back a millionfold--they're such terrific pets! Thank you so much for saving these two lucky guys and all the others you've saved.
elfperson1 2 years ago
uhoh, i'm beginning to feel like i want to raise another one
elfperson1 2 years ago
Hehe, its worth it.
Keep an eye out.
Another similar bird, and equally talented is the Mynah, which is a close relative of a starling, they should get along, and i'm pretty sure they talk too ^~^
I'd feed them cat meat blended with hard boiled egg, just what i do with the starlings.
Use a small syringe to feed them.
Which im sure you already know. ^~^ possibly, different people use different techniques
RatLove
<":3)~~~
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
yes, i knew about the Mynah connection. I had a Mynah when i was a kid, but it didn't talk nearly as well as Beakie does! I gave her dried, soaked kitten food mixed with egg yolk, calcium powder, and avian vitamin when she was a baby, but she wouldn't take it unless i stuck my finger in her little craw--very bonding! then she refused the baby food and insisted on wax worms and whatever I was eating! so much fun!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Oh, yes of corse. i add in calcium supplements too.
hehe ^~^
Aww. they sound lovely as a pet. but i wont be keeping them. my friends are, its just because i will be getting rats (hopfully) and i dont have enough room or time for starlings and rats. hehe.
But i will still raise them, and see them almost every week. it will be worth it. PLUS it will make my friends happy.
^~^
ORSUMfezbubble 2 years ago
Yes! Thanks for identifying Beakie's signature tune!
elfperson1 2 years ago
hi i have a starling can you tell me when yours started flying
AnimalLover67781 2 years ago
it was twelve years ago, so I can't remember perfectly--I think she was about 6 weeks old, maybe. how old is yours? lucky you!
elfperson1 2 years ago
mine is about 11 days old i said on my video that it would fly when it was 12 days old but i was guessing
AnimalLover67781 2 years ago
I wish I could find one off these... <3
KriegBoy 2 years ago
yes, i really lucked out. if you do find one, you must find out if the mother bird is still taking care of it--if so, don't take it away. We only take them if they're truly abandoned...sometimes Starling Talk web site has starlings who need homes, check it out!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Beakie sings Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony in the right key! Does she have perfect pitch or what?!!
ketujam 2 years ago 2
Wow, is that the right key? She's imitating my whistling of the symphony. I don't have perfect pitch, but i wouldn't put it past her to correct my pitch when she sings it! She's perfect in all else, why not that?
Thanks for watching!
elfperson1 2 years ago
Birds have perfect pitch, yes! :D
greengrendel 2 years ago
Judging from the amount of singing that it does, I would guess that it is well. But if I hear otherwise, thank you, we will let you know!
shaiajean1 2 years ago
okay, thanks.
elfperson1 2 years ago
That is very generous of you! At this point, she is still trying to locate the bird. She recognized it by its calls, and found your YouTube post.
shaiajean1 2 years ago
If the bird is nesting nearby, there's no need to adopt it, obviously. But if it is hurt or lost...the best news would be that the bird is well and healthy...but let me know if you need me.
elfperson1 2 years ago
Thanks; after I posted the question I read your description. My friend, who lives in India, thinks that she has discovered one living outside of her office building. So if you found Beakie in midtown Manhattan, it is believable that my friend has found a distant cousin of Beakie's living in her city.
shaiajean1 2 years ago
Oh, yes, it's perfectly plausible. Starlings are amazingly adaptable birds, and do quite well in city settings. Has your friend adopted the bird, or is she just watching it from afar? If she or she needs any help raising or caring for a starling, I'm available for consultation!
elfperson1 2 years ago
But it looks as if the bird is living outside...
elfperson1 2 years ago
What kind of bird is she?
shaiajean1 2 years ago
A starling. Starlings are wild birds; she is (obviously) domesticated. I found her on the sidewalk in midtown Manhattan.
elfperson1 2 years ago
Is that Beethoven's Pastoral she is singing? Very talented and beautiful bird!
TA3375 2 years ago
Hi! Yes, it is the Pastorale, and i'm so happy that you identified the theme! it's the first movement of the symphony. She is, indeed, talented and beautiful, and beloved. Thanks for your comment!
elfperson1 2 years ago
These birds are fantastic! I didn't even know about their mimicking abilities until I read about them in a book about a month ago. Do they talk both night and day? Beakie sure is a talented bird. Thank you for sharing.
krystalas84 2 years ago
Beakie sometimes sings in the middle of the night! Not often, but it's adorable--when I look in on her (I cover her cage, leaving an opening where she can look out), she has her head tucked into her feathers, and she seems to be singing in her sleep!
elfperson1 2 years ago
aw, just like mine used to do with me...very cute thanks for sharing, although it made me cry
themysteriouskiller 3 years ago
Thanks for your comment--sounds like you had a starling once and you lost him or her? I'm so sorry. i dread the day when Beakie has to go...
elfperson1 3 years ago
Our pleasure--thanks for writing to us and loving this sweet bird!
elfperson1 3 years ago
I love how her feathers poke out on her little throat when she sings! That is so neat! All of the whistles and clicks she does is really nice. You guys are so lucky to have each other! thanks for sharing with us!
EbolaV1rus 3 years ago 2
Beakie and I thank you kindly!
elfperson1 3 years ago
wow!!!!!!!
braska19 3 years ago 2
Wow, thank you!!!
elfperson1 3 years ago
I love your bird, its one of the cutest things i have ever seen!!!
0MidnightRose0 3 years ago 2
Thank you, we think so too!!!
elfperson1 3 years ago
How lovely your Starling sings!
When I was a kid we had a Starling, who had a broken wing, for many years...So I really love these birds...wo are maligned by many.
Thanks for posting!!!
sprichbeeke 3 years ago 3
Beakie and I thank you for your compliment! Starlings really are amazing--talented, intelligent, funny, and affectionate! People are always surprised to hear about the affectionate part. Beakie loves to cuddle, and last night wouldn't go to her cage; she just wanted to hang out late getting stroked and tickled while I read! Sweet birds--they are true blessings.
elfperson1 3 years ago
that's amazing! I especially like how the feathers on her neck move while she sings!
KISAME4161392 3 years ago
I know--it's so cool! Thank you.
elfperson1 3 years ago
adorable!!!!!!!!!! aww!!!!!!!
nyxchyx 3 years ago 7
Thank you!
elfperson1 3 years ago
I can't get enough of her either. Even after 11+ years, I stare at her in disbelief when she gets going with her whistling and chattering. Sometimes she goes on and on hilariously for minutes at a time--except when I want to film her!
elfperson1 3 years ago
Still can't get enough of Beakie. My Damar is refusing to talk on camera again. LOL
Kasia5872 3 years ago 2
Sheryl has an amazing voice.
Poromenos1 3 years ago 4
Sheryl is the person on the other end of the phone. Is that who you mean?
elfperson1 3 years ago
Yes, I love it. She should do voiceovers or something.
Poromenos1 3 years ago 4
Well, i'll pass on the compliment to Sheryl! Thanks!
elfperson1 3 years ago
Thanks so much!
elfperson1 3 years ago
We thank you SOOO much!
elfperson1 3 years ago
What a beautiful, beautiful bird! She made me laugh and smile.
Chyouno 3 years ago 2
me, too! She always cheers me up when I'm down. Thanks for watching!
elfperson1 3 years ago
This is one of my favorite videos. He's precious!
mae1958 3 years ago 2
thank you!
elfperson1 3 years ago
amazing. :)
ajaxs50 3 years ago 2
Thank you so much!
elfperson1 3 years ago
What a happy and talented bird!
ldhenson 3 years ago 2
Thank you! Yes, she's very happy, and her talent is amazing!She's a blessing.
elfperson1 3 years ago
Hahaha omg that is precious! What a smart starling!
chickafinch 3 years ago 2
Beakie thanks you!
elfperson1 3 years ago
Kasia--it's amazing that you can handle so many starlings! I would love to have more. Beakie would teach them all her songs and sentences, and I'd go happpily crazy listening to them all day long. Where did you find yours? I found Beak on the sidewalk in midtown Manhattan!
elfperson1 3 years ago
Kasia, just re-read your email and see you got your babies from Jackie at Starling Talk. Maybe I'll make myself available to her and become a new Starling Mom...
elfperson1 3 years ago
Beakie is so adorable! Are you also a member of Starling Talk? I've been a member for 4 years now and started out with just one starling and now I have 4. Have you seen any of my videos?
Kasia5872 3 years ago 2
thanks for your compliments, and Beakie thanks you too! No, i'm not a member of Starling Talk, but I'll look into it! I'll check out your videos soon (off to work!).
How did you get 4 starlings? I was so lucky to find one...did you just luck out?
elfperson1 3 years ago
I found my first starling, Malutka, in 2004. She was a naked pink little blob, blind and helpless. I didn't know for a month what kind of bird I had, then I found Starling Talk. My other 3 were posted by Jackie, who runs Starling Talk, they needed new homes, and they were close to me, so I adopted Damar and Dukot, brother and sister, and then a year later Pom-Pom. We have an adoption forum for starlings that need forever homes.
Kasia5872 3 years ago 2
im amazed by this i never knew starlings could mimic! are they easy to train/do they pick the mimics up quickly?
blackwood2805 3 years ago 2
Usually they just pick up whatever they thing sounds the most appealing. I have 4 starlings and they all talk and mimic my laughter, sneezes, coughing, etc. You're welcome to see them, I have several videos posted here as well.
Kasia5872 3 years ago 2
My Beakie picked things up really quickly. I didn't know I was saying things to her repeatedly until she started saying them back to me! I don't feel like I've "trained" her--she's just taught herself how to say the things that she hears or likes most! She's a genius bird.
elfperson1 3 years ago
You got the composer right, but it's the 6th, the Pastorale, not the 9th. She also whistles bits of a Schubert impromptu, a Johann Strauss waltz, a Wagner opera (Siegfried), and the Brahms lullaby. She's amazing.
elfperson1 3 years ago