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).