Starling -Tāringi
The beauty of the Starling often goes unseen as from a distance it appears black, but on closer inspection it has an array of iridescent colours from purple to dark green and white speckles too.
They were introduced from Europe to help with a caterpillar plague and were very successful. Even today some farmers build birdhouses to encourage them as they are so good at controlling grass grubs and eating cattle ticks, making them favoured over chemical insecticides and increasingly popular with organic farms.
They like a closed nesting box like the Kohab Starling Birdhouse which is specifically designed for starlings and will keep them safe from the predatory Myna bird. The Myna bird often bullies Starlings so the Kohab Birdhouse has an entry hole that is just right for them and too small for the Myna to get in and kill them or their eggs.
Starlings like to roost together and can gather en-masse in huge flocks over 1000 birds which is a noisy and messy event that is discouraged in many cities.
What do Starlings Eat?
Starlings will travel up to 30km to their favourite feeding spot. They eat a wide mix of invertebrates which they forage for on the ground and in vegetation. They will also feed on fruit and nectar from flax and pohutukawa flowers and catch insects on the wing.
They like a firm location to feed on so are unlikely to go to a hanging feeder but will visit a solid bird table.
The other way to support the Staling is to support their natural food source, insects. This can be done by leaving leaf litter to accumulate and planting insect-friendly plants.
Starling with love:
The Kohab Starling Wooden Birdhouse has been specially designed to give safe, warm shelter to a range of NZ birds that are regular visitors to your garden. Starlings are often bullied by Myna birds so need a birdhouse that gives them an entrance hole which is too small for their predators to get in but just right for them. The Kohab Starling Birdhouse will keep their residence, their chicks and their eggs safe.
Adding a birdhouse to your garden is a great way to support and encourage your local wildlife. Not only are you providing a safe nesting box, you also get to connect more with those you kohabit your space with and have the joy of watching generation after generation of new bird life. It's a win-win.
Details
This DIY birdhouses are made from strong, high-quality marine plywood, with thick walls and roof making them watertight as well as warm and snug. They have a slide-in base that makes cleaning them quick and easy, and good floor ventilation to keep moisture levels low.
Our birdhouses come in a kitset and are quick and easy to assemble. Simply slot the pieces together and hammer a few nails into the part drilled holes. We supply the nails and two sturdy mounting screws.
To find out more about how to put your Kohab Wooden Birdhouse together take a look at our birdhouse plans and assembly instructions.
Other info:
Kohab birdhouses are made from high-quality marine plywood, which is safe for birds and can last outside untreated for up to 10 years.
However, as with all outside wood products, you can extend your birdhouses lifespan with a little bit of love. We recommend sealing it with Timber Sealer and Protector.
Size: H 296mm x W 180mm x D 145mm
Entrance hole: 45mm - just right for Starlings
Kohab Birdhouses are proudly NZ made.

