Why do Starlings gather in huge flocks in the autumn?

Answer 1

Nobody truely knows the exact reason for this but the massive flocks are immigrant Starlings from eastern Europe and Scandinavia. The flocks form as feeding parties converge at dusk to go to a communal roost. The flock then does a communal flight around the roost site before descending (often into a reedbed). The obvious answer would be for protection but a massive flock attracts all the predators within the local area (sparrowhawks, merlins, peregrines etc) so it is possible that the risk actually increases (dependent on flock size). It could be for warmth in the roost as a cold night could kill many birds, something close proximity might avoid.

Answer 2

Primarily for safety in numbers on their winter roosts. Also large numbers of starlings suggest to other starlings that there might be a good food source nearby so starling see, starling do. Starlings generally do not "migrate" over significant distances unlike snow geese or arctic terns.

Answer 3

Because they are getting ready to go on vacation. Though you may see starlings all year long, they are different flocks that you have, as they are migratory birds and do move.

Answer 4

Their finding mates before they take the long migration trip to north Africa. There, they will breed before the long trip back in spring to give birth. Only the young stay behind and stick together because of safety and warmth in winter.

Answer 5

because only a few of them know the way south and most need directions or want to follow so they don't get lost

Answer 6

Invisible starlingherders.