Starlings are social birds famous for spectacular murmurations whose welfare is affected by habitat loss, changes in agricultural practice and predator pressure at roost sites.
Starling welfare is primarily affected by loss of prey-rich grassland habitat as agricultural intensification reduces soil invertebrate populations. Starlings require access to short grass where they can probe for leatherjackets, earthworms and other invertebrates. Loss of nesting sites through building renovation reduces breeding populations. Murmuration behaviour represents a sophisticated anti-predator welfare adaptation that should be recognised and protected.