1120 



The Starling. 



[Mar., 



If further evidence were needed against the starling it is 

 supplied by its activities in other countries. When first intro- 

 duced into Australia it was generally regarded as one of the 

 most beneficial birds to the agriculturist and fruit grower, but 

 with its rapid increase a marked change took place in its food 

 habits to such an extent that in 1905 Mr. C. French, the Vic- 

 torian Government entomologist, wrote: " There can be no doubt 

 about the starling being a most pernicious enemy to the fruit 

 grower and viticulturist in this State. The starlings are increas- 

 ing a thousand times faster than their natural food, hence they 

 must avail themselves of such as is obtainable. Once driven to 

 this, an appetite is acquired, and fruit diet being easily obtained, 

 they will not seek any other, even if available. It is pleasing to 

 note that the Shire Councils are offering a bonus for starlings' 



heads and eggs Valuable insect-eating birds such as 



Kingfishers, diamond-birds, tree creepers, and tree swallows are 

 being driven out of their nesting places in tree-hollows by swarms 

 of starlings, and before long these insectivorous birds, useful 

 to the farmer and orchardist, will be driven out of the State." 



As yet the charge of usurping the nesting places and the 

 destruction of insectivorous birds in this country is not proved, 

 but it is only natural that this should take place as the starling 

 family becomes the preponderating bird-factor in a district. 

 The question naturally arises: " How are we going to attack 

 this problem? " It is by no means an easy one, for any reck- 

 less or indiscriminate method of general destruction will only 

 do harm. The object to be sought is not how to exterminate 

 the starling, but how to reduce its numbers and to keep it within 

 reasonable limits so far as the immediate future is concerned. 

 To bring about the desirable end we would suggest the following 

 course of action : — 



(1) In all fruit growing and agricultural districts, the 

 systematic collection of the eggs and the destruction of 

 autumn immigrants. 



(2) So far as possible, the making of all dwelling houses, 

 farm and out-buildings starling proof, i.e., blocking up all 

 openings or facilities wherein the bird may nest. 



(5) More stringent regulations for the protection of birds 

 of prey, such as the Kestrel, Merlin, Hobby, the Tawny 

 or Brown Owl, and the Little Owl. 



(4) International co-operation with those countries from 

 which we receive autumn immigrants. 



(5) A new inquiry as the starling becomes reduced in 



