Starling (Sturnus vulgaris)

Starling: Ray Kennedy, RSPB Images

Where to find them: Parks, particularly around reed beds, gardens, urban centres

When to hear them: All year round

Diet: Insects, fruit

The starling is a real urban success story, often more numerous in cities than in the countryside.

They’re noisy little birds with a repetitive chirpy song, punctuated by distinctive “wolf whistles”. You should be able to hear them in gardens and green spaces up and down the East London Line this spring.

Males whistle while they work, singing whilst building nests in tree hollows, buildings and nest boxes to attract females.

Top 10 most spotted rating:

Croydon: 6th

Lewisham: 5th

Tower Hamlets: 7th

Hackney: 5th

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