. Scientists have been investigating this mystery and are baffled at the phenomenon. A team of experts from the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), says that no diseases have been found or are threatening human health. A research team led by ZSL is trying to find out what’s causing the sudden, mass death of Common starlings in Britain (Sturnus vulgaris). The journal Scientific Reports published their findings. The death of wild birds from drowning is rare. They drown on their own and rarely in large numbers. A number of young starlings were found drowned in a plastic container. Image: nature.com. Dr. Becki Lawson is a ZSL wildlife veterinarian who has received reports of starlings drowning in large groups, sometimes tens of them. Along with ZSL’s Animal & Plant Health Agency, University of Liverpool and the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds as well as the Animal & Plant Health Agency, Surrey, the British Trust for Ornithology, Dr. Lawson studied 12 cases of starling mass drownings. These ranged from 1993 up to 2013.. In 10 of the cases, there were more 10 bird drownings than usual. Only juvenile starlings were affected in all cases. All of the cases examined involved only young starlings (a few months) who drowned during the spring and early summer months. There has not been any evidence that an underlying disease is a reason for death. Dr. Lawson stated that drowning seems to be more prevalent among younger birds because they are less skilled in finding water hazards. This, combined with the fact starlings are social birds could explain why many starlings drown at once.” The public around Great Britain has been crucial in reporting this unanticipated cause of starling death to us. Starling populations are declining across the UK. We need to know more about the causes and how we can help them escape the water. British starling populations in rapid decline. Rob Robinson (Associate Director of Research, British Trust for Ornithology) said that while drowning can be an unanticipated cause of death, this is not considered a threat to conservation. We still have to learn more about factors like disease and other causes that could be contributing to the decline. “We ask that you continue to report starling deaths via the Garden Wildlife Health site.” Ramps could help lower mortality. Despite the troubling news, researchers urge people to provide water sources such as bird baths or ponds for their garden. Wild animals and birds need water, particularly during summer. Perhaps a sloped exit or ramp could be added to the water features to help the starlings get out of the water. Researchers would love to hear from anyone who lives in the UK, whether you have seen a dead or sick bird in your yard, or any animal that is in your backyard. The project website allows you to contact them. Refer to “Drowning, an unexpected and sudden recurrent cause for mass mortality in Common starlings, (Sturnus vulgaris),”, Andrew A. Cunningham and Becki Lawson. Scientific Reports 5, Article Number: 1702. November 25, 2015. DOI: 10.1038/srep17020. RSPB Video – Starlings. Interesting article related to: Male hummingbirds sing with their tail feathers.
A troubling mystery: Starlings are dying in large groups of 10 or greater, which is a worrying sign
