Contributions to the knowledge of European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) distribution and biology in La Pampa province

Abstract

The European Starling Sturnus vulgaris is one of the most invasive bird species in the world, as it causes drastic economic and biodiversity losses. In Argentina, its populations are established and in expansion. Negative interactions of this species with native species have already been recorded. Here, we describe its current distribution in La Pampa province from central Argentina, whose landscape belongs to two phytogeographic provinces where an extensive community of cavity-nesting birds occur. Also, the first nest box breeding record and the first nestling’s diet description is described for the region. Occurrence data were obtained from online databases of bird observations and from our own records. Based on these results, it is presumed that the expansion would be taking place in a western direction from the original populations in Buenos Aires province. Successful breeding confirmation, together with its ongoing expansion, should constitute an alert of the potential risk for some cavity user species. It is necessary to implement systematic surveys of the situation to assess the eventual execution of measures that mitigate the potential negative effects on native birds.