A (relatively) successful introduction

Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris vulgaris) were first released by the Nelson Acclimatisation Society in 1862, and only around a thousand were brought in to the country altogether. They’ve spread just about everywhere, except dense forests and mountains. Their introduction has been a success, from a farming point of view, as they were brought in to control insects pests, especially grass grub (Costelytra zealandica). They compete for nesting sites with native birds that nest in cavities, but that isn’t a significant problem as they simply don’t occur where New Zealand’s cavity-nesting species occur. Except at restoration sites on offshore islands (black robin, some endangered parakeet species). From a nice-bird-to-have-around point of view, they’re kind of noisy and aggressive and their vocal dexterity is not used in a particularly charming way. Not to mention that their nests and offspring make a lot of mess. And noise. The bird in this photo has recently molted, the giveway is the white points on the tips of its feathers. The white-tipped feathers are non-breeding plumage, and as the feathers age, the white tips will wear off, revealing the glossy disco outfit the starling will wear for the breeding season.