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SciCafe: Shakespearean Bird Invasion

Part of SciCafe

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

A starling with speckled feathers perches on a rock. European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) in Central Park, New York City.
Courtesy of J. St. John/Flickr
European starlings are one of the most successful and widespread invasive species in the world. 

In 1890, approximately 100 birds were brought to Central Park in an effort to have all birds mentioned in Shakespeare's work live in New York—leading to a population of 200 million starlings in the US today. They destroy agricultural crops, spread disease to livestock, fly into aircraft, and outcompete native birds.

In this SciCafe, Museum Research Associate Julia Zichello, one of the scientists behind the most comprehensive study of this invasive species, will offer insight into starlings’ unique population history and how current population dynamics can contribute to conservation efforts and clarify evolutionary processes over short timescales for other species.

Special Shakespearean performances by Matt Kizer and Dawn L. Troupe.

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