Eco Starling Nest Box

Starlings, a once regular sight in the UK, have declined in the UK and Europe by a massive 66% since the mid-1970s and are consequently on the Birds of Conservation Concern Red List. It is thought that their main diet of earthworms and leatherjackets may be affected by modern agricultural practices and changes in land use.

Starlings nest in loose colonies and are not territorial, other than in the immediate nesting area. They will usually lay only one clutch of between 4 and 6 eggs in mid-April, however if the first clutch is laid early and is successful, a second clutch may follow. Chicks hatch after 12 days incubation.

This nest box is a new design for 2018. It has a wooden nesting chamber, constructed from oriented strand board (a wood sheet made from compressed flakes obtained from wood waste or saplings thinned from forests to made space for larger trees) and encased in a weatherproof outer shell, made from UV stabilised 100% recycled plastic. It has a 45mm entrance hole, ideal for starlings.

If you need to check or clean the box, simply twist the fastening at the bottom to release the wooden nesting chamber.

As starlings nest in loose colonies, you may encourage them by erecting a few boxes in a group on adjacent trees or buildings. They also favour higher nest sites, so it is recommended you install boxes at least 2.5m high. Fixing is easy – there are three concealed mounting holes in the back of the plastic shell. Once this is fixed, slide the wooden nesting chamber back in and secure.

This eco-friendly box is a fabulous way to encourage birds into your garden, supporting them at the same time.

Dimensions (cm): 20 (W) x 18 (D) x 35 (H)