The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an expanding species that began nesting in Rome only in the 1970s. In winter, however, the number of individuals increases exponentially thanks to the arrival of wintering populations coming from central-northern Europe in search of areas with a milder climate and with more food sources.
In the Eternal City, from November to February, every day it is possible to witness a unique show: the starling murmuration! After spending the day feeding in the nearby countryside, thousands and thousands of Starlings return to the city to their night roosts.
Unity is strenght! Before reaching these resting places they meet together doing murmuration, a mainly defensive strategy: gathering in enormous flocks they are much less likely to be captured by predators such as the Peregrine Falcon, similarly the hypnotic and fascinating movement coordination of thousands of individuals would make the capture of a single target more difficult.
Join an expert zoologist and wildife photographer to enjoy this breathtaking show and, after a couple of hours of urban birding, photograph the murmuration among some of the most iconic places of the Eternal City!
Interested in birdwatching? Take a look at our private day trips departing from Rome!
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