Natal has the Indian Mynah, and the Cape has the Red-Wing Starling. Both of these birds are similar in their characters in that they are exceptionally aggressive, thinking nothing of attacking humans when we try to invade their space. Whilst there are other types of Starling that visit the Cape, most of them are migratory and therefore tend only to spend time in trees whilst on their way to some other exotic destination.
However, the redwing is here to stay! Also not native to our shores, they have adapted well to the urban environment, congregating in large numbers wherever there is a roosting opportunity. They tend not to be a huge nuisance all the time in the domestic situation, often reserving your home for the normal twice-yearly nesting seasons. At these times, they can most often be found looking for a gap into your roof space where they set up home for babies. Most often they will try to return to the same nesting area every time, as do the babies, which is why we again find the problem escalates over the years.
Whilst one is reluctant to apportion blame, most frequently, if the correct protection measures are put in place during building, there is no entry to the roof and therefore the problem does not arise. One of the current favourites is the new Tuscan-Style house with lovely convex clay tiles beneath which there is ample space for entry. Please note that starlings can squeeze through impossibly tiny gaps, so one needs to be vigilant in making sure that none exist.
If you have them in your roof, you may expect a lot of noise, droppings, and most distressingly, lice. Many birds carry lice, but in our experience, the starling is the greatest culprit. Most often they will leave a lice load behind in the nest after nesting, and most often the lice are happy to snooze until Mr. and Mrs. Starling return. However, certain stimuli like unseasonally warm weather may bring the little chaps out of hibernation, and like all such creatures, they soon realise they are hungry. So they set off on a march in search of food, and guess what? You are the flavour of the day. so when you see the little troupe meandering down your bedroom wall and you get little itchy bites, ten to one that's the problem. Some people are exceptionally allergic to these bites and can develop quite serious reactions.
Oh, and before we forget, don't miss the fact that they love a diet of brightly coloured fruit, which they process internally and then deposit purple splatter all around, especially on your nice shiny car!
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