Starling murmurations are spectacular aerial displays involving thousands to millions of birds, and the welfare of starlings depends on access to communal roost sites and winter food resources.
Starlings in murmurations are primarily performing an anti-predator display that reflects the presence of raptor threats including peregrine falcons and sparrowhawks. Roost disturbance that forces birds to relocate wastes energy critical for winter survival. Loss of invertebrate-rich permanent pasture reduces winter food supply, increasing the energy deficit that individual starlings must offset through roosting efficiency.