Starling murmurations are described as some of the “most amazing spectacles” to witness and they happen just before the birds go down to roost - but the reason why they do it is still uncertain.
A decade on from a study into the behaviour, researchers at University of Gloucestershire are repeating the research and inviting the public to take part in a new, nationwide study.
Lead researcher Prof Anne Goodenough said they were interested in seeing what had “changed in the past decade, particularly because starlings are a declining species”.
By declining, they mean that the numerous places they were introduced to are now seeing their numbers dwindle, or specifically their original habitats?
This is talking about the UK - where they are a native, breeding species - but the population has declined by more than 60% over the last 30 years. More detail here.
Thanks! I’m genuinely curious, so this is helpful!