Video: Starlings in Rome

If you needed yet another reason to add to the list of defensible reasons I am sure you already have for visiting Rome, the scores of Starlings in Rome each winter should make for worthwhile incentive. Nearly 5 million starlings pour into Rome during the winter of each year, taking spectacular flight nightly. Their chaotic aerial display is no accident. The Starlings dance this crazy dance in an effort to confuse the peregrine falcon, a nighttime predator. The iridescent plumage of the Starlings and illuminated by the sun, which you can watch in this video. The mesmeric waves formed by these starling flocks effectively confuses the falcon. But words can’t do this extraordinary display justice and, for what it’s worth, I’m guessing the video pales in comparison to the first-hand experience. Have any of you seen these birds in Rome or anywhere else (while their Rome display is beautiful, Starlings dot skies across the globe).

Starlings in flight

A popular video popped up on the internet recently of a spooky looking bird formation and, being the curious person I am, I had to know where the video was filmed and what kind of birds offer this fantastic sight.

I found a better informational video dated nearly two years ago that explains the gorgeous natural sight of winter starlings in flight. These marshy birds dance in the air by the thousands, taking flight for social position in the air.

As you can tell, these starlings prefer open fields where they can take advantage of the wintry air stream to “commute” and warm their bodies in the cold weather. According to this video, these birds do their lovely dance in the late afternoon at dusk all over rural parts of the UK (this video was filmed at Otmoor near Oxford) and Scotland. Quite a sight to behold, and yet another way to enjoy the winter months.