Omnibus The European Starling (Entry 431.PS8403)
Dec 7, 2017
Discover the eccentric tale of a Shakespeare enthusiast who unleashed European starlings into Central Park, leading to ecological chaos. Explore the comical consequences of introducing non-native species and their impact on local wildlife. The hosts share whimsical anecdotes about starling behavior, flocking patterns, and even the idea of using nutria as a food source. Their humorous take on human interventions reveals the unpredictable outcomes of altering nature, leaving listeners with a deeper appreciation of our complicated relationship with the environment.
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Schiefflin's Starling Release Folly
- Eugene Schiefflin released European starlings in Central Park inspired by Shakespeare's birds.
- This whimsical act unknowingly started a massive ecological impact in America.
Starling Population Explosion
- From a single breeding pair in 1890, 220 million starlings now dominate America.
- They aggressively displace native birds by killing them and taking over their nesting holes.
Starling Sound Mimicry
- Starlings mimic many sounds including cars and signals to blend into noisy urban environments.
- Their loud, varied calls contribute to their presence being perceived as annoying and invasive.