Starlings, Sparrows, and Pigeons
Like rats, three bird species introduced to America—starlings, house sparrows, and pigeons—soared in number because they encountered no natural predators or parasites and an abundance of resources in their new home. Central-city-core animals outnumber wildlife in the suburban and fringe habitats because of the huge numbers of these three species in the central areas. However, the suburbs and fringe areas support a greater diversity of species.
House sparrows and starlings originated in Eurasia and northern Africa and lived in European cities for centuries before coming to America. The sparrow (also called the English sparrow) arrived in the United States in 1852, when a sparrow fancier released 50 of the birds in a Brooklyn, New York, cemetery. They thrived on the grain used to feed draft horses. When automobiles replaced horses, sparrows dwindled somewhat, but soon the birds switched to trash bins and bird feeders for food, and their numbers once again soared. Researchers estimate the current U.S. sparrow population at more than 140 million.
Starlings got their start in America in 1890 and 1891, when a misguided philanthropist released about 100 in New York's Central Park. Starlings eat almost anything, from seeds and insects to garbage. They like to nest in holes, and they find abundant nesting sites beneath the roofs of buildings and in air vents. They also take over bird houses intended for more desirable species.
Extremely aggressive, starlings drive off native birds and sometimes destroy the other birds' eggs or kill their chicks. Scientists have found that the U.S. starling population has soared to nearly 1 billion. Pigeons are another introduced species that flock all over American cities. Pigeons are descended from rock doves, a Middle Eastern wild species that moved into cities thousands of years ago. European colonists brought domesticated pigeons to America for food, to use as messengers, and to keep as decorative pets. Many subsequently escaped from captivity, and some were released. With their year-round breeding habits, these liberated pigeons quickly soared to millions.
City pigeons have learned that trash baskets afford easy pickings, and they are so tolerant of people that they will eat handheld birdseed, popcorn, and stale bread. Rock doves roost and nest on tall cliffs and rocky ledges, so their domestic descendants are right at home on window ledges, eaves, lofts, and under window air conditioners. They deposit large amounts of droppings on buildings, streets, and sidewalks. In addition to being a nuisance and expensive to clean up, the droppings may also accelerate erosion of stone and concrete in buildings.
