How 100 Starlings Released in Central Park Took Over America 2026

In 1890, about 100 European starlings were released in Central Park, New York City, setting off one of the most spectacular animal expansions in North American history. The tiny founder population would eventually grow to an estimated 200 million birds, spanning the continent and leaving a lasting mark on both ecology and economy.

The Release That Started It All

The story begins with Eugene Schieffelin, a member of the American Acclimatization Society, who was involved in releasing European starlings in Central Park between 1890 and 1891. Historical sources vary slightly: some mention 80 birds in 1890 and 40 later, but a Smithsonian review states that the generally accepted number is 60 released in 1890 and another 40 in 1891—about 100 in total.

Earlier attempts to introduce starlings elsewhere in North America had apparently failed, but this New York population took hold and became the nucleus of a demographic explosion that would spread the species from coast to coast.

From 100 to 200 Million: The Multiplication

During their first years, starlings multiplied at an absurd rate. The population grew exponentially, and by the early 20th century, they had expanded beyond New York City into surrounding states. Today, starlings are found across the entire contiguous United States and parts of Canada and Mexico.

This rapid spread is a classic example of an invasive species thriving in a new environment with few natural predators and abundant resources.

Why Starlings Succeeded

Starlings are highly adaptable. They eat a wide variety of foods, from insects to grains and garbage, and they nest in cavities, often outcompeting native birds for nesting sites. Their flocking behavior also provides safety in numbers and allows them to exploit resources efficiently.

These traits, combined with the lack of natural controls in North America, allowed the population to grow unchecked.

Ecological and Economic Impact

The starling's success has come at a cost. They compete with native cavity-nesting birds, such as bluebirds and woodpeckers, for nest sites. They also damage crops and can spread diseases to livestock.

Economically, starlings cause significant agricultural losses and are a nuisance in urban areas, where their droppings can damage buildings and create health hazards. Efforts to control their numbers have met with limited success.

The Shakespeare Connection: Fact or Myth?

A popular legend claims that Schieffelin released the starlings as part of a plan to introduce every bird mentioned in Shakespeare's works to North America. While Schieffelin was indeed a Shakespeare enthusiast, there is no concrete evidence that this was the motivation behind the starling release. The story likely grew from his known involvement in acclimatization efforts and his fondness for the Bard. The longer history behind the story is traced in No Truly Safe Place in Global Catastrophe, but Australia Is Least Bad.

Regardless of the reason, the release had unintended consequences that continue to this day. The background to this story is set out in Central Park Carriage Ban Debate: Who Speaks for the Horses?. A related thread runs through Central Park Horse Carriage Ban: New Bill Seeks to End Era. Earlier coverage in White Storks Released in Cornwall: A Rewilding Success Story shows how the argument developed.

What We Can Learn

The starling story is a cautionary tale about the risks of introducing non-native species. It highlights how a small group of individuals can, over time, cause widespread ecological and economic disruption. A closer look at the same subject appears in Japan's Stray Cat Invasive Species Plan Sparks Backlash. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Invasive Species Cost Australia Billions: How to Respond. The same theme surfaces in NYC Double Stabbing Near Central Park Investigated as Hate, which takes a different angle.

Modern conservation efforts emphasize the importance of preventing introductions rather than trying to control invasive species after they have established. Context on how this played out before sits in Amber Guyger Released: Former Dallas Officer Out of Prison. A companion piece, White Storks Released in Cornwall: A Majestic Rewilding Success, approaches the same subject from another angle.

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