Watch the spectacular aerial display of starlings, known as a murmuration

Words from weather producer Amie Stone

In the UK, starling murmurations are a winter spectacle that occurs from November to March.

At dusk, starlings gather in large numbers to perform stunning aerial displays, diving and diving in coordinated movements across the sky. Murmurs are widely celebrated as one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles.

Each winter, large numbers of starlings migrate from Scandinavia to resident populations in the UK, forming huge flocks that roost, rest and sleep together.

What is a starling murmuration?

A murmuration is a remarkable spectacle created by thousands of starlings flying in complex, synchronized patterns.

Despite declining starling populations, this aerial dance remains visible at dawn and dusk, with the best chances of seeing it during the winter months.

Why and how does a murmur occur?

Starlings are thought to gather in murmurations primarily to deter predators, using the swirling flock as a form of protection.

The larger the flock, the lower the risk to each bird, as predators are more likely to be confused by the movement of the mass.

With extremely fast reaction times, starlings can change direction in an instant, allowing the entire group to respond to movements seamlessly.

Birds within the murmuration often change position to minimize their time on the vulnerable outer edges of the flock.

Where is the best place to see them?

Although you can catch murmurations across the UK, some places, such as Brighton and Eastbourne in Sussex, are known for their impressive displays.

Other coastal towns, such as Bognor, Chichester and Hastings, also occasionally host these captivating gatherings, particularly during the winter months.

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